Max West (she/her)

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.