Max Usher Smith

Max Usher Smith


Registered Member MÍø±¬ÃÅ

Contact information

Phone number
07575 800727

Contact Max


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Therapist - London

London SW2
07575 800727
Sessions from £70.00

Features

  • Concessionary rates

Availability

I am available for sessions on weekdays, both in-person and online. My in-person practice is in the Brixton/Herne Hill area. 

About me and my therapy practice

I am a qualified integrative counsellor, with a Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Level 7) from The Minster Centre, the UK’s leading Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy training centre. With over 5 years’ experience of intensive psychotherapy training, I am currently completing a further MA/Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy. I am registered with British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling (MÍø±¬ÃÅ) and guided by their ethical framework.

I have nearly 7 years of experience working for NHS mental health services, including as a psychotherapist. This background helped me to become an attentive listener, with experience of responding to a wide range of emotional difficulties and distress and facilitating alternative perspectives. Prior to this I worked in teaching and translation.

I have an MSc in Social Anthropology (UCL), and a BA in Spanish and Portuguese (University of Manchester). Practising anthropology granted me experience of in-depth exploration of different perspectives and experiences. Areas I have researched include experiences of fatherhood and plant medicine. I have a longstanding interest in peoples’ stories and how we make sense of our lives.

I am committed to non-discriminatory practice, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

Practice description

Starting therapy takes courage. It is often a big decision and can feel like a daunting, unknown step.

Motivation for seeking therapy varies a lot. You may be looking to come to terms with specific life events or have a general sense that something needs to change. Whatever is on your mind, I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. I will meet you as a whole person, and you can expect to be listened with care and respect. We will discuss and reflect on your concerns at your pace, to discover new insights and new ways of addressing problems and challenges.

As an integrative counsellor, I am influenced by psychodynamic theory; how the past influences patterns of thinking and how we relate to others and our experiences. I draw on humanistic and existential views of the human condition too. My approach is also informed by contemporary relational psychoanalytic theory and body psychotherapy. Together we can inquire into how experiences of anxiety and trauma show up in the body. I hold an interest in how the body and mind interconnect, as well as forms of spiritual practice.

Beyond any theory, however, I would view you and your context as the starting point for therapeutic inquiry and change. I will look to understand and respond to your unique perspective and specific issues and needs. To me, psychotherapy is a dialogue in which any area of personal experience, however difficult, is welcome to be explored.

I have experience working with a wide range of emotional issues, including and relating to: depression, anxiety, grief, loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma (including sexual abuse and the impact of violence), identity issues, existential issues, chronic conditions, self-harm, sexuality and stress.

I have full insurance, and I attend regular, ongoing supervision.

I can offer therapy in Spanish and Portuguese if required.

My first session

Please contact me by email or phone call/text to arrange an initial session.

I offer an initial session for £35. This is an opportunity to better understand what brings you to therapy, and what you would like to work on and change. I will respond to questions you may have. If we then decide to work together, we would meet at the same time each week.

I charge £70 for subsequent sessions. I offer some slots at concessionary rates when possible. Sessions last 50 minutes.

What I can help with

Abuse, Addictions, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body/somatic therapy, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Health related issues, Identity issues, Loss, Men's issues, Mood disorder, Neurodiversity, Post-traumatic stress, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Trauma, Work related issues

Types of therapy

Existential, Humanistic, Integrative, Jungian, Person centred, Phenomenological, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Relational, Systemic, Transpersonal

Clients I work with

Adults, Older adults, Young people

How I deliver therapy

Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy, Time-limited

Languages spoken

English, Portuguese, Spanish