Working with Maxine
A "Roots" before "Branches" Approach
"here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide"
- e.e. cummings
Starting the Journey
Once you have made contact with me via WhatsApp or email, you can expect a response from me within 24 hours.
I then like to offer potential new clients an initial obligation-free, free-of-charge 20min phone call as a way for us to connect before any consultations are booked. This conversation is a chance for you to get to know me and the way that I work a little bit better, for you to share your intentions for coming to therapy (only as much as you feel comfortable to) and ultimately for you to feel into if you feel that I'm the right person to be a witness to your story.
If you do decide to go ahead with sessions after the initial phone conversation, I suggest (although again not an obligation) an initial 4 weekly sessions to start.
These sessions are resourced based - focusing on identifying and strengthening access to internal resources and support as we begin the process of leaning into your story. Once we have completed our fourth session, I like to take a moment to discuss whether you feel this style of therapy is supportive to you, and then to discuss a potential way forward.
My approach to holding a therapeutic journey is gentle, client-led, but also firm. In the sessions I combine reflective speaking as a way of expressing and integrating, somatic practice as a way of tending to- and strengthening the relationship with the body and the nervous system, and creative practice as a tool to explore and better understand whatever you are bringing to the session. I also weave psychoeducation throughout our time together where I feel appropriate - offering explanations of mental health theory and practice, and also practical skills and tools to integrate into your life between sessions.
Ultimately, this is your story and you are the expert in your life - I therefore try my utmost to work in a way that is supportive and collaborative on this journey of self-discovery, transformation, and healing.
My Trainings
DRAMATHERAPY
EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT
Dramatherapy is a branch of the Arts Therapies, registered under the HPCSA. It combines psychodynamic theory (Jungian) and practice, along with creative processes to offer greater perspective and additional layers to understanding our own stories. It draws on elements such as symbolic language, mythology, metaphor, imagination, projective objects, etc. as the creative tools through which the therapy happens. No previous experience is needed to take part in this kind of therapy.
If you want to read more, click HERE
Expressive Movement is a conscious dance practice that follow the natural progression of how our bodies experience physical sensations and emotions, and gives it language through free, unrestricted movement. It functions on the principle that movement was our first mode of communication as a species, and therefore offers insight into deeper layers of meaning and understanding of self.
If you want to read more, click HERE
FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS
Family Constellations is an experiential process involving the exploration of family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, aspects of self, and relationships between parts and people of the environment. It utilizes a systemic lens and phenomenological approach to creating an interactive map, in which clients can gain greater perspective and understanding. It acts to restore a sense of 'belonging' and 'flow' within the system.
If you want to read more, click HERE
Areas of Interest
Although not limited to, these are the areas in which I have focused my work and most of my continunous learning.
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LIFE TRANSITIONS
Holding space for the shift in identity that naturally comes with aging, as well as big life events such as birth, marriage, death, divorce, miscarriage, etc.
RELATIONSHIPS AND INTIMACY
Exploring our sense of belonging through Attachment Theory, holding space for heartbreak and uncoupling, strengthening relationship with self while exploring relationships with others
FAMILY DYNAMICS
Better understanding our family story through looking at histories, past events, relationships, and exploring how that impacts your sense of self in the world
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Creating a safe container to experience uncomfortable emotions and learn skills of coping, re-storying, and coming to understanding our emotions as communicative and inherently intelligent
GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT
Gentle holding of space for the wells of complex emotions that emerge with the passing of a loved one or acquaintance
TRANSFORMING ANGER
Working with moving through heightened- and big emotions, discovering their root, and exploring their transformative capabilities