Doreen Maxwell MFT and Associates Experiential Psychotherapy, MFT, CHT

Meet Doreen Maxwell, MFT

Psychotherapy is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. I love this work, as I love witnessing the changes clients are able to make. I have tremendous respect for this process of diving in and paying attention to one's inner world. There are enormous advantages to this attention and learning for  your life, your relationships, your work. 

My Approach

I use the principles and methods of Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy, * Somatic Practice, Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and/or Sandtray. Above all, I believe in your inner knowing, your impulses toward healthy growth. All methods are simply used to facilitate the self study needed to free up these capacities. 

* "Hakomi presents some astounding methods for getting to core material. It is well grounded in theory and revolutionary in its results." — Association of Humanistic Psychology Newsletter

My  Specialities

I most often work with people suffering from dysfunctional relationships, depression, anxiety, attachment wounds, and chronic or acute trauma.  Patterns and habits which were once adaptive coping methods may not serve you or your relationships anymore. Together we can access these unconscious beliefs that hold you back and so create new possibilities in feeling, thinking, and relating. Trauma is held in the body, and can be moved along with somatic methods. Hakomi Experiential Therapy and also Somatic Practice as taught by Kathy Kain, are most helpful.  

Relationship Counseling with Doreen

In couples work, I often teach Non-violent Communication skills; a precise and compassionate method to facilitate understanding, empathy, and getting one's needs met. I also facilitate your study of the dynamics and attachment issues through Hakomi methods: utilizing mindfulness and experiential exercises.

I believe that your love relationship often has a hidden purpose- the healing of childhood wounds.  Instead of focusing entirely on surface needs and desires, you can learn to recognize the unresolved childhood issues that underlie them and practice new ways of communicating and caring. It is human nature to want to coerce the other to change. However, if you each come in with the attitude of: "I want to work on how I respond to and communicate with my partner," we'll have a good chance of working toward a happier relationship.

At times life can be filled with challenges and difficulties. Many people struggle with pain from the past or the present. I offer a safe place where individuals can work through their problems and gain a clearer understanding of themselves, who they are and what they desire.  I support clients as they seek help in identifying what could bring greater meaning to their lives. Through these discoveries we can create hope for a deeper sense of satisfaction with life and in turn a stronger sense of well-being. 

I help clients explore issues that impact their lives and their relationships. This may include help with depression, anxiety, communication with others, grief, loss, life transitions, changes in health or your personal life, or working towards overcoming past or current hurts and traumas. I am here to help you with your challenges. Together we will find ways to move through whatever difficulties you are encountering. 

My approach stems from a place of warmth, understanding, compassion, practicality, and non-judgment to support you as you seek changes that you would like to make in your life. 

 I received my B.A. in Liberal Studies from San Jose State University and attended Palo Alto University where I completed my M.A. in Counseling. My previous work experience includes fifteen plus years in the technology field as well as providing counseling at a nonprofit agency in collaboration with children, teenagers, adults, couples, families, and groups. I have also been a volunteer with the Centre for Living with Dying program since 2014. 

I look forward to hearing from you.