Maxine Herman, LCSW

Challenges can be overwhelming, but can lead to positive change. This isn't an easy road to go alone. The desire to live with hope, loving relationships and creativity often requires a neutral partner outside of our immediate community. I offer an alliance in which to explore your issues without judgment, knowing compassion, safety and trust are key elements in the healing process. So often we struggle, feeling we aren't enough, sometimes not even knowing why. We feel lost. Our histories, often traumatic, may play a major part in current day struggles like depression and anxiety, addictive behavior, and troubled relationships. I collaborate with you in exploring the story of your life, facilitating a path to understanding, self-empowerment and clarity. Having been through the therapeutic process myself, I understand the vulnerability and courage taking this step requires. It's gutsy to want to make our lives better, to believe our relationships, work, our inner world, can be enhanced so that we can address the struggles that got us here and overcome them. Ultimately, I'm a person, like you. I use my life experience, sense of humor, and street smarts in the work we do. I believe in our capacity to change. Therapy offers a place to discover our true selves, to deal with crisis and trauma, and allow the hurt parts of us to be understood. They can become part of us in a healthier, resilient, self-accepting way.

I offer day, early evening and Saturday appointments, as well as flexible times around work and travel schedules; I'm available for sessions on Zoom or by phone. I return calls within a day, and usually within a few hours. My fee schedule has some flexibility depending on circumstance. Happy to provide receipts for insurance purposes.

I love the privilege of taking a journey with another person into the story of his or her life, and being a part of helping them improve their existence. I know the power this process can offer. Healing, change and self-reinvention are real. I've seen it in others as well as myself, and find it deeply satisfying and creative.

"Gut instinct" is essential. Therapy is a relationship and all good relationships need good chemistry. We generally enter therapy in a vulnerable state, thinking something is "wrong" with us. Don't forget what's already "right"-- you're seeking help, wanting things to be better. Inherent in that is the belief that you deserve a therapist who is ethical, welcoming and honest-- and who gets you. Your intuition is a key part of making the right choice. Don't forget to use it.