About me

I’m Max (he/him), a Gestalt counsellor (MBACP) working with adults, young people, creative professionals, and members of the queer community. My background includes several years in LGBTQ+ mental health, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, and others facing systemic barriers, alongside experience working with young people in further and higher education.

These experiences have shaped how I understand resilience, identity, and belonging, and how wider social and political forces influence our wellbeing.

My approach is trauma-informed and relational, grounded in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood.

Alongside my therapy practice, I have designed and delivered training on mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and trauma-informed practice. Working with professionals and community organisations has deepened my understanding of how social, cultural, and political factors shape mental health. I bring this systemic awareness into the therapy room, recognising that our personal experiences are often shaped by broader contexts of power, identity, and belonging.

Common areas of focus in my practice include anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, relationship patterns, self-esteem, identity, bereavement, and LGBTQ+ concerns.

I am a registered member of BACP and committed to upholding their Ethical Framework throughout my practice.

BACP logo with the text 'collective mark' and a purple emblem, indicating accreditation by professional standards authority, with a registered member number 416789 and MBACP initials.

Qualifications and training

  • Diploma in Counselling, Gestalt Centre, 2025

  • Certificate in Humanistic Counselling Skills, Gestalt Centre, 2021

  • Trans Awareness Training, Gender Intelligence

  • Adult and youth Mental Health First Aid Certification , MHFA

  • Adult Safeguarding Awareness training

  • Domestic Abuse Awareness training

  • Certificate in Community Organising, Citizens UK


Experience

  • 5+ years in LGBTQ+ mental health support services 

  • Experienced with issues impacting refugees and people seeking asylum

  • Working with young people in further and higher education settings

  • Designing and delivering training on mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and trauma-informed practice for community organisations and settings

  • Background in arts and creative practice


Training delivery

  • Conflict Resolution Training

  • Navigating the Hostile Environment

  • Immigration and asylum awareness training

  • Trans Awareness training

  • Supporting and building LGBTQI+ communities

  • LGBTQI+ Allyship training


Ongoing professional development

  • Regular clinical supervision

  • Committed to ongoing training in trauma-informed and relational approaches

  • Ongoing training in facilitation skills 

  • Ongoing engagement with LGBTQ+ community knowledge and developments