Max West (she/her)
About the Therapist
Welcome
Welcome to my therapist profile. I hope that you will find some information here that will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.
What I Offer
With more than 20 years working with LGBTQ+ people, I cultivate a safe therapeutic space which allows for challenge and growth. I offer you a warm, kind and welcoming presence in order for you to explore your difficulties. My commitment to you is to support you to find new ways to feel happier, freer, more peaceful and more fully yourself.
Working with GSRD People
I am aware that GSRD people who seek therapy do not necessarily want to discuss their gender identity, sexuality and/or relationship choices. Nonetheless, the pressures of societal stigma and minority stressors and/or internalised homophobia/transphobia may operate as additional factors adversely affecting our mental health.
Therapy With Me
When any person seeks therapy, they are often both vulnerable and resolutely clear about the need for change. They may or may not know what “ails them”, but they are aware that they are not able to flourish in their lives as they wish.
I have offered over 20,000 hours of therapy over my career, and my therapeutic approach is always holistic and integrative. I understand each client and each therapy as unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration and discovery that nourishes a greater sense of well-being, hope and insight, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life’s challenges.
I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assuming I understand you based on any groups you may be part of (gender, sexuality, race, class, ability, etc.). My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.
Free Zoom Chat
I welcome the opportunity to e-meet, to discuss what support you might need at this time, and what I can offer to you. I offer a free 15-20 minute chat on zoom so that we can talk through what your support needs are at this time. Please feel free to ask whatever questions are important to you.
Research shows that the 'fit' between therapist and client is one of the most important indicators for a positive therapeutic outcome. So if what I have written here resonates with you, please do feel free to book in for a call, and we can see if we think we can work well together.
I look forward to hearing from you.
- Other
- Queer
M.A. Psychotherapy (Integrative, Distinction), Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (accredited by City University, 2000). Registered Member of the BACP (British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling) 15259, Senior Accredited, 539555 - https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/15259/monica-max-west/london-ec1r
Award | Awarding body | Year of award |
---|---|---|
Certificate in Psychodynamic Supervision (Dist) | University of Leicester | 2004 |
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies | Centre for Stress Management | 2006 |
Lifespan Integration Level Two | Lifespan Integration | 2015 |
Level One Hypnotherapy | London College of Clinical Hypnosis | 1999 |
My Professional Accreditation
I am an MBACP (Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. This means that I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework for practice, and have also evidenced a wide range of more advanced training and practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status.
Presenting Issues and Specialisms
I work with many life issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions. I work with people from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives and those wishing to develop a more mindful way of life. (Please see my website for more information.)
In addition to the above issues, I also work with: low self-confidence, perfectionism, phobias, PTSD, OCD, anger issues, loneliness, social anxiety, health anxiety, sexual abuse, dissociation, bereavement, gender dysphoria, BDD, internalised homophobia, menopause, hoarding and more. Addiction issues may include alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, sex, love, shopping, scrolling, internet, food and exercise.
What You Can Expect from Me
I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a great deal of belief in humans' capacity to change and grow into their true selves. I will:
- Listen deeply to you - with respect and kindness - and validate you;
- Reflect your wisdom and encourage you;
- Notice patterns, themes and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past can influence the present;
- Challenge you in a warm and appropriate way;
- Help you get in touch with different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (this includes Inner Child Work);
- Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.
Working with GSRD People
While I have been working with LGBTQ+ people since 1995, over the last 15 years, I have also been increasingly working with individuals within open relationships, who are polyamorous, or who are exploring a “new monogamy”. I work with non-binary and trans people at every stage of their journeys. I respect every person's right to define what is healthy and nourishing for them, and will support you to navigate your journey to find balance, freedom and joy in your choices.
My Therapeutic Approach
My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.
- The Humanistic component emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your true or 'authentic' self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.
- The Psychodynamic component of my approach places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships and feelings (including within the therapy encounter itself) and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.
- I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, internet, porn, sex, alcohol, drugs, shopping, perfectionism etc. A Cognitive Behavioural approach focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.
- I hold a systemic perspective in my work, aware of the influence of family of origin, culture, school, religion and society.
- I incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate, and work with people exploring their spirituality.
About Me/My Own Therapeutic Journey
I am a dual national (US/UK) who grew up in the US but has lived in London for approximately 30 years.
I am cis-gendered, neuro-typical and queer.
At age 20, my introduction to the transformational power of therapy was as a client. Over many years, my own healing journey has involved a number of modalities. I continue to be committed to growing and developing personally as well as professionally. I regularly use yoga, Pilates, mindfulness and other therapeutic practices to maintain my own balance, peace and well-being.
My first degree (B.A., Yale University) was in Women's Studies, which means that my therapeutic practice is informed by my awareness of differences, power, oppression, privilege, in/equality, diversity and inclusion.
- I am an activist and am particularly committed to social justice issues and protecting the planet.
- I delight in creativity, and am myself involved with musical and visual arts.
- I am a committed meditator, following a path of mindfulness.
My Professional Experience and Training
My initial experience of working with clients in a therapeutic role was in the residential addiction field, running groups and working with individuals. Later, I worked in an outpatient service for people with substance abuse issues (as one of the designated queer therapists).
I trained to Master's Level in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling in 1998-2000 (Distinction). I have supplemented that core training with other shorter courses, in supervision, hypnotherapy, CBT, EMDR, Lifespan Integration and more. I also learn from reading, podcasts, my own healing journey and most of all from my clients.
I have worked in the NHS, Adult Education, the HIV and LGBTQ+ fields, MIND, with Sexual Abuse Survivors, and in Private Practice.
My Current Practice
I currently work solely in Private Practice, offering in person sessions in Central London, and online sessions to people around the world. My appointments are scheduled during the daytime, lunchtime, early evening and early morning (pre-work); most of my work is medium to longer term.
Welcome! I look forward to hearing from you.
- Attachment theory (Psychodynamic)
- Behavioural therapy
- Cognitive Therapy
- Feminist therapy
- GSRD therapy
- Humanistic
- Integrative
- Other
- Psychodynamic
- Supervision
- Ace | Asexual
- Bi- | Pansexual
- Consensual non-monogamy
- Cross-dresser
- Gay
- Intersex
- Lesbian
- Neurodivergent
- Non-binary | Genderqueer
- Queer
- Questioning
- Survivors of attempted conversion therapy
- Trans
- One to one
- Fully wheelchair-adapted
- Adults
- Seniors (60+)
- Online
- In Person
In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income - including any bonuses, grants, money in trust or support from family/partner. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.
The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.
You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.
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