Doreen Maxwell, Marriage Counselor in Los Gatos, 95032

Doreen Maxwell, MFT, CHT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy, Other, Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
CA MFT

My Approach to Helping

I believe we are all equipped with an innate knowing of our needs for growth and health, and that my job is to compassionately facilitate your self study to uncover what is true and healthy for you. I predominately use the Hakomi Method of Experiential Psychotherapy, which employs mindfulness and loving kindness to access your core beliefs- adaptations that served you once, but now may hold you back.

More Info About My Practice

I have additional training in trauma work and sand tray, and certificates in Transpersonal Hypnotherapy and in Huma Transpersonal Bodywork. These all inform my work, allowing me to tailor the therapy for you. Also, I am an ordained Interfaith Minister, and love the mystical core of every religion. I don't impose any particular religion, but can guide you spiritually, aid your meditation practices, and can officiate weddings and memorial services.

I don't currently take insurance, but am happy to give you the proper receipts to submit to your insurance company to receive whatever reimbursement they allow.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I specialize in treating adults that experienced abuse or neglect in childhood. I love working in mindfulness to address self limiting beliefs and traumatic holding in the body. I believe that in a certain kind of way, it is never too late for a happy childhood. I work to access appropriate stages in development, that will allow us to change the self-limiting beliefs. Using mindfulness, and focusing on body sensations, we can let go of traumatic memories held in the body. I also use the therapeutic relationship as an important and beautiful way to heal difficulties; emotionally focused work that can allow you to see and feel yourself enriched and enabled with new possibilities.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

It is understandable to feel ambivalent about beginning therapy; opening up to a brand new person, especially when you have been burned in past relationships! Diving into traumatic and painful material is not anyone's idea of a good time. Here's what I can say about that: When wounding happens in relationship, it takes a healthy and nurturing relationship to heal, to develop trust again. Also, I want to assure you that when we really look inside, we may find some painful material, but we also then find "pure gold." Also,I contain the work in a certain kind of way, so that you won't be re-living painful memories, but rather, making them feel different. It's about building safety and much better states of mind and body.