Hello! My name is Makenzie Wilbourn (she/her) and I am millennial woman who enjoys life at a slower pace—whether that’s hiking in the mountains, crocheting a new blanket, or relaxing in a hammock with a good book. I’m often called an “old soul,”and I take that compliment to heart. The version of me you'll meet in our sessions is the same one you’d find out on a trail or at a local coffee shop. I believe that living authentically makes healing more attainable—and I bring that same approach to my work with clients every day.

A little bit about my educational background is that I am an East Carolina University Pirate for life (even have a skull and crossbones tattooed right below my ankle). I attended ECU for both my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and my Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. Since graduating over 6 years ago, I have worked primarily with adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings addressing symptoms of substance and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict, and trauma.

I take on a holistic and compassionate approach in my counseling style, integrating techniques from a few modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I’m a trauma-informed therapist with a focus on treating anxiety and panic symptoms, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, self-esteem issues, and substance use or behavioral addictions.

I moved to the Asheville, NC area in 2019 with my husband and our cat, Izzy. I grew up majority of my life in Apex, NC, with my early years living in Michigan. When I’m not working, you can usually find me outside—gardening, kayaking, or hiking—or inside enjoying comfort food and reruns of The Office or Friends.