About Clara Mackinlay
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Emotionally Focused
Coaching
Energy Psychology
EMDR
Existential
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Clara Mackinlay
The provider is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Their current employer is The Grove: IPI
Clara Mackinlay is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who works with couples and partners seeking to deepen connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges together. She brings a warm, grounded, and attuned presence to her work, creating a safe space for couples to explore emotions, patterns, and relational dynamics.
Clara blends evidence-based approaches for couples, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, with body-based, trauma-informed modalities such as Somatic Experiencing®, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR. She also incorporates Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for couples interested in deeper insight and expanded emotional experiences.
Her work is ideal for couples who want to move beyond surface-level communication and develop lasting, embodied connection, while honoring both individual growth and shared relational goals.
What should a new client know about working with you?
When working with Clara, couples can expect a collaborative, attuned, and structured therapeutic process. She helps partners recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck while encouraging honest, compassionate communication.
Her approach integrates evidence-based couples therapy, including EFT and Gottman-informed techniques, with body-centered awareness and somatic methods. This helps each partner understand not only what they feel, but how their bodies respond in relationship dynamics. Clara gently challenges patterns that interfere with connection while supporting couples in strengthening empathy, trust, and intimacy.
Sessions are interactive, experiential, and tailored to each couple’s goals—whether that’s improving communication, resolving conflict, or navigating transitions and stressors together.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Clara begins by understanding each partner’s perspective, the relationship history, and shared goals. Early sessions focus on creating a safe, supportive environment and mapping out the dynamics that contribute to recurring conflicts or disconnection.
Subsequent sessions may involve:
-Exploring emotional and physical responses within the relationship
-Identifying and working with patterns that create tension or misunderstandings
-Practicing communication strategies and attunement exercises using EFT and Gottman Method tools
-Integrating somatic and trauma-informed techniques to regulate the nervous system and foster connection
For couples open to deeper work, Clara may integrate modalities like EMDR or KAP in a relational context, helping partners process underlying experiences that affect their relationship.
Her goal is to support couples in building more resilient, intimate, and fulfilling partnerships—helping them connect not just intellectually, but emotionally and physically as well.
Clara Mackinlay, AMFT is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $225 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $225 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Offers couples intensives starting as low as $75 per hour.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Antioch University - Los Angeles, Master's in Clinical Psychology
- University of California, Los Angeles (Bachelor's)
How soon can I make an appointment with Clara Mackinlay?
Generally, Clara Mackinlay has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Clara Mackinlay's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Clara Mackinlay accepting new patients?
Clara Mackinlay generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Clara Mackinlay's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Clara Mackinlay accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Clara Mackinlay is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Clara Mackinlay online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Clara Mackinlay using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Clara Mackinlay work with?
Clara Mackinlay works with The Grove: IPI.
What are common reasons for patients to see Clara Mackinlay?
Clara Mackinlay frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit. You can see other visit reasons for Clara Mackinlay on their profile.
What languages does Clara Mackinlay speak?
Clara Mackinlay speaks English.