Maxwell is a Registered Social Worker. They are an alumnus of Wilfrid Laurier University, where they earned a Masters of Social Work as well as an Honours Bachelor of Social Work with a Minor in Human Rights and Human Diversity. Max has a background in education around diversity and in working with youth helping to support their exploration of identity and core values.
When they were young and embarking on their journey to discover what it means to be themself, Maxwell was extremely fortunate to have the support of adults that had embarked on similar journeys in their time. This was so helpful to them that Max developed a passion in working with teens and young adults supporting their growth and exploration of self. Journeys of self discovery can have many elements, such as gender, sexuality, neurodiversities such as ADHD and Autism, and life events such as trauma, transitions, and challenges. All of these elements, and more besides, make up the complex mosaic that a person must build on their way to adulthood and beyond.
It is so challenging, especially because of the stress of the last few years, for youth to feel like they are on a solid path in their life. Anxiety, depression and attention difficulties are rampant and many need support to find their way back on track towards their goals and their future. Working from a foundation-up model, focusing on immediate needs and a sense of safety before building up towards goals and developing strengths, Maxwell’s practice is trauma-informed, client-centered, evidence-based, and deeply anti-oppressive. Maxwell uses DBT (distress tolerance skills), Brainspotting trauma therapy and Theraplay techniques, among others, to meet the individual needs of each client.
Maxwell knows that, without exception, the only true expert in you is yourself. The role of a therapist is to use the skills and techniques gathered over their experience to help their client discover the strength, capacity, and truth that is present in each of them. There is no universal way to achieve this, but creating a strong therapeutic relationship based on respect, care, and authenticity is vital. The best therapists, Max believes, are completely and fully in the client’s corner while not losing sight of the bigger picture of what the client wants to achieve and who they want to be. This is the energy Max strives to embody in each session and many youth have found this to be highly effective.
