Therapist Spotlight: Makena Arntsen: Somatic Therapist, Ontario & Nova Scotia
At Risework Therapy, we believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and that starts with getting to know the person holding space for your journey. In our “Meet Your Risework Therapist” blog series, we’re proud to introduce the compassionate, skilled professionals who make Risework Therapy so special.
This week, we’re excited to feature Makena Arntsen, a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) providing virtual therapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia. Makena offers open-hearted, non-judgmental, client-centered care to individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
About Makena
Makena offers virtual therapy sessions to clients throughout Ontario and Nova Scotia. Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and flexibility, meeting clients where they are and helping them connect with their own inner wisdom.
Makena specializes in working with individuals experiencing:
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Developmental Trauma
Complex Family Dynamics
Emotional Regulation & Stress
With a deeply human and intuitive approach, Makena supports clients in building self-awareness, increasing emotional resilience, and cultivating a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
“I’m a lifelong learner, and I like to pull from all the approaches I've studied to provide the best therapeutic experience for my clients. You are the expert on your experience, my job is to help you reconnect with your inner knowing.”
Therapeutic Approach
Makena integrates a range of therapeutic modalities in her work, blending evidence-based practices with a strong mind-body connection. Her approach is tailored to each client and evolves with the therapeutic relationship.
Makena draws from:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Somatic & Polyvagal Informed Therapy
“We integrate the body into our sessions so you can learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions and build intuitive awareness of what you need.”
At the core of Makena’s practice are her values of non-judgment, openness, and client-centered care. Whether you’re processing trauma, working through anxiety, or exploring your identity, Makena offers a compassionate space for healing and growth.
We Asked & Makena Answered
What inspired you to become a therapist?
“People were always my area of interest from a young age (always talking in class). As soon as I started learning about psychology, I was so intrigued. Getting to pursue something that intellectually stimulates me and helps people, win win!
What led you to your specific area of focus?
“Learning about how my own childhood dynamics impacted the way I see the world today.”
How would you describe your personality?
“Empathetic, full of dualities, dynamic, and a lifelong learner.”
How do you create a safe and supportive space for clients?
“I show that I’m an imperfect person too. I make space to reassure any doubts, resistance or fears they may have about therapy.”
What’s something you wish more people understood about therapy?
“You don’t have to ‘need therapy’ to benefit from it.”
What’s something clients might be surprised to learn about you?
“I don’t always practice what I preach, because I’m human too.”
How do you care for your own mental health?
“Very holistically. I love healthy food, walk a lot, exercise, read, meditate, go to therapy, spend time with loved ones and spend time in nature.”
What would you say to someone nervous about starting therapy?
“That’s totally normal. Listen to that and take it at your own pace. Speaking about things that don’t feel 10/10 scary to talk about can still be deeply impactful. Often, how we deal with little stressors shows us a lot about how we deal with big ones, so working with those first is very helpful.”
How would you describe your therapeutic approach or style?
”I’m a lifelong learner and I like to pull from all the approaches I've learned to provide the best therapeutic experience for my clients. I’m both intuitive and flexible, meaning I may know what you need but I'm also very open to you telling me if it's not working for you. We integrate the body into our sessions so you can learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions, and increase intuitive awareness of what you need. After all, my clients know their experiences the best and my hope is to help them access their wisdom.”
Makena’s Unique Perspective
Born in Argentina and raised in Canada, Makena brings a personal lens to her work as a therapist and offers therapy in both English and Spanish. She has lived experience as an immigrant and supports many Latinx clients in navigating cultural identity, transitions, and healing.
What Makena Hopes for her clients
More than anything, Makena hopes her clients will take away increased self-awareness and self-compassion from their meaningful work done together.
Connect with Makena Today!
If you're looking for a warm, intuitive, client-centered therapist, Makena might be a great fit for you!
Book a free 15-minute consult today to get started on your journey.
