stop surviving, start living
Somatic & Holistic Trauma Therapy in Long Beach, CAlifornia
For adults and couples ready to lean in, feel more, make meaningful change, and actually do the work to create a life they don’t have to escape from.
Hi! I’m Clara Mackinlay
I’m a somatic therapist who knows the pain of trauma + relationships from both sides of the couch.
why I do this work:
Like many of my clients, life has been far from easy. Somatic therapy and plant medicine played a meaningful role in my own healing.
I’ve lived through significant trauma—and I’ve also experienced the freedom that comes from healing it.
I’ve been in deeply unhealthy relationships—and I’ve done the work to choose a safe, loving partnership.
I’ve worked with therapists who missed the mark and ones who changed my life—both shaped how I practice today.
my therapeutic style:
Informed by my lived experience of pain and healing; compassionate, honest, and with deep respect for how hard this work can be. Also …
Authentic and human. I show up as myself to give you permission to show up as you. Sometimes I’m dressed up, sometimes I’m in sweatpants. I’m always barefoot. I like to cuss.
Honest and boundaried. I know therapy is an expensive investment, and as much as I care deeply about my clients, I don’t want to work with you forever—because that would mean I’m not doing my job.
Warm and supportive, but direct. I’ll meet you where you are and push you into the places that feel uncomfortable, messy, and a little icky. Because that’s where the healing actually happens.
my approach to healing:
Integrative and holistic. I value and integrate Western, evidence-based practices—and I also deeply honor plant medicine, intuition, “witchy” wisdom, and Eastern traditions. Healing doesn’t live in one lane—and neither does effective therapy.
Body-centered and progress-oriented. I’m not a surface-level therapist, so if you’re looking to just talk about your feelings or vent for sessions on end, I’m probably not your girl. But if you’re ready to get to work, willing to be uncomfortable, and open to real change—let’s setup a time to chat or keep exploring my website.
ready to do the work?
Trauma + Relationship Therapy SpecializationS
What I can help with:
Trauma & Nervous System
PTSD & Complex PTSD
Childhood Trauma
Sexual Abuse
Dissociation
Chronic Dysregulation
Shame & Self-Blame
Relational & Developmental Work
Feeling Unworthy
Relationship Anxiety
Disconnected Couples
Highly Sensitive or Deep-Feeling Men
Menopause / Perimenopause
Plant Medicine Prep & Integration
Who This Work Is Best For:
People who are high-functioning, driven, and deeply motivated
People with trauma histories hiding behind outward success
People who struggle with feeling “not enough,” slowing down, or feeling safe in relationships
People familiar with somatic practices (yoga, meditation, breathwork, etc.)
People curious about or experienced with plant medicines and psychedelics
People who’ve tried talk therapy and know it’s no longer enough
People seeking deeper, embodied change—not just insight
If you’re looking for surface-level therapy or aren’t ready to engage the body and nervous system, this may not be the right fit.
Evidence-Based, Holistic Therapies for Trauma & Relationships
for adults & Couples in California
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING®
A gentle and highly specialized approach that helps the body complete thwarted trauma responses and supports nervous system regulation.
IFS ‘PARTS’ THERAPY
A somatic approach that helps you connect with ‘parts’ of yourself that carry pain, fear, or unmet needs and just want to feel seen, heard, and supported.
HOLISTIC EMDR THERAPY
A structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess trauma, reduce emotional intensity, and support lasting nervous system regulation.
KETAMINE-ASSISTED THERAPY
A psychedelic-assisted therapy that interrupts rigid patterns, expands emotional awareness, and supports profound trauma healing.
Healing is multidimensional. Therapy should be too.
I’m an evidence-based therapist, but i also like to get creative, Collaborative, and weird.
I blend clinical with cosmic, science with the soul, and help you merge mind and body. My work goes beyond symptom management—this isn’t sit-on-the-couch, nod-and-smile therapy. It’s down-to-earth, holistic, and a little witchy. It’s real talk, nervous system repair, and whole-person healing.
In-Office & Nature-Based Therapy
I offer in-person sessions in Long Beach, and therapy doesn’t have to stay indoors. Sometimes healing happens best outside — during a walk along the beach, by the marina, at a quiet park, or even barefoot in the grass under the sun.
Movement and nature create space for deeper regulation, connection, and presence. Plus, a little more Vitamin D never hurts.
Whole-Person Care
If you’re on meds, we’ll explore whether they’re actually working for you or just keeping you numb. Almost all of my clients have discovered they’re on the wrong dose or medication for their genetic makeup, their diet is negatively impacting their mental health, and their daily routine is out of sync with their body’s needs. I collaborate with other professionals and look at everything — nutrition, sleep, hormones, movement, and meaning — because mental wellness doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Out-of-the Box Approach
My work blends traditional “evidence-based” therapy with somatic, witchy, and plant-based approaches. Alongside Ketamine therapy, I sometimes integrate ceremonial cacao and oxytocin nasal spray (prescribed by a medical provider), when it’s clinically appropriate. We might pull animal cards or talk about astrology. I’m a yoga therapist, Reiki master, and plant medicine person who loves to get weird, witchy, and deeply human when clients are open to it.
Kind Words from Colleagues
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“Clara is an incredibly intuitive and gifted therapist. Her healing journey sets her apart, and she creates a safe space for anyone seeking guidance from someone who gets it. She excels in healing trauma and fostering complete mind-body wellness.”
- Leah Smith, LMFT
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“Clara is a dynamic somatic therapist dedicated to helping women and girls reconnect with their inner power. Her blend of knowledge, insights, and skill provide her clients with the support and guidance they need to make meaningful changes in their lives!”
- Joanna Farah, AMFT
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“Clara brings a genuine sense of empathy and thoughtfulness to her work. Her ability to foster trust & understanding speaks to her dedication & skill. Her training in Somatic Experiencing creates a supportive space for meaningful & effective healing.”
- Vanessa Bellafiore, LMFT
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“Clara brings an intuitive, grounded presence that becomes apparent the moment you meet her. She is a compassionate and supportive guide for individuals navigating trauma, offering a safe space for healing and growth.”
Beth Kiacz, AMFT
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“Clara is a compassionate and deeply present clinician. She has a great understanding of Somatic Therapy, Trauma Modalities, and Psychedelic Integration.”
Chloe Bean, LMFT
Long Beach
Hybrid
Virtual