Mac Choy, Ed.S.
Graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s and Specialist degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Hi, I’m Mac. I work with people who struggle to access their emotions or feel disconnected from themselves and others, using a relaxed and grounded therapeutic style. Many of us were socialized to believe that being responsible, respected, or strong meant suppressing our needs, vulnerability, and emotions. Over time, this can show up as seeming composed, intimidating, or highly independent on the surface—while feeling isolated, ashamed, or empty underneath. Life can begin to feel shallow, like playing a role rather than living fully. Therapy offers a space to reconnect with the parts of you that need warmth, comfort, and compassion.
The technical terms for my approach are IFS-oriented, trauma-informed, somatic, and attachment-based. This means my work focuses on identity, experiences, and emotions. Identities such as gender, sexuality, culture, or neurotype shape how we navigate the world, while experiences create patterns that influence how we relate, react, and make choices. Emotions communicate important information about your needs, values, boundaries, and sense of safety. Exploring these provides insight and supports responding to life with greater awareness, authenticity, and choice.
I aim for therapy to feel connecting and approachable. I use reflections and metaphors rather than clinical jargon, and my identities as gay, Asian, and Hispanic often overlap with my clients’, offering relief from the need to over-explain. My hope is that you feel more whole as yourself and able to build sustainable, meaningful relationships
Why did you become a therapist?
I became a therapist because the compassion, warmth, and relationships at the heart of counseling bring meaning to my life. I see the counselor role as sacred and feel deeply honored to witness people’s stories and hold space for their experiences.
What can a client expect to experience in session with you?
I value comfort, curiosity, and calm–and I bring that energy into the therapy space. I aim for sessions to feel safe enough to support vulnerability, while also offering challenges to support change.
If you could be the therapist to one celebrity, who would it be?
I’d love to work with an artist of any kind, and I admire their ability to translate their inner worlds into something tangible and expressive.
How do you spend your free time?
Being outside is always time well spent for me.
What’s your favorite quirk about yourself?
Outside of the office, I am a roller derby player and my derby-name is “Ophelia Payne.” My friends call me Pheli (pronounced *Feel-ly*).
What does social justice mean to you?
Resisting complacency and actively working to disrupt systems of oppression. It involves advocating for those impacted by inequities and helping cultivate spaces where people can hold their identities with safety and empowerment.
How do you believe change happens?
Change can be chaotic, uncomfortable, or out of our control; while other times it is intentional work, growth, and reward. I support meaningful change by meeting you where you are, understanding what motivates you, challenging you, and helping you integrate progress along the way.