Max Usher Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
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.
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 to 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 am committed to non-discriminatory practice, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
I have full insurance, and I attend regular, ongoing supervision.
I can offer therapy in Spanish and Portuguese if required.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have nearly 7 years of experience working for NHS mental health services, including as a psychotherapist. 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 (MBACP) and guided by their ethical framework.
My NHS 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 have experience working with a wide range of emotional issues, including and relating to: depression, anxiety, grief, loss, addiction. 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.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Please contact me by email or phone call/text to arrange an initial session. I offer a free 15 phone call to consider any queries you may have.
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.
When I work
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Further information
I am available for sessions on weekdays, both in-person and online. My in-person practice is in the Brixton/Herne Hill area.
