Cara Maksimow, LCSW
You may not control all the events that happen to you but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
-Maya Angelou
Hello! Thank you for your interest in learning more about me and Maximize Wellness. My goal is to help others successfully navigate through times of stress, feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, trauma, and day-to-day challenges.
I have spent many years in the healthcare industry in a variety of roles. Starting in 2014 I opened Maximize Wellness where I provide one-on-one clinical therapy as well as wellness workshops. Prior to opening my practice I worked as a Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, Pharmaceutical Sales Trainer, and Pharmaceutical District Manager. No matter which role I am in, my passion is helping others be and feel their best.
I completed my undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1994 and my MSW from Columbia University in 1996, with a specialization in Health/Mental Health and minor in Law. I am licensed in Clinical Social Work in NJ (1998) as well as am a Licensed Professional Coach (2013) and hold certificates and post-graduate training in multiple therapeutic disciplines including, but not limited to; Certification in Mindfulness-Based Contemplative Therapy (2019), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion Fatigue Professional Certification (CCFP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Positive Psychology, Complex Trauma Level I & II (CCTP), Brainspotting Certification (BSP, 2019), Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine advanced training (NICABM) on Perfectionism, Trauma, Compassion-Based Treatment, and Complicated Grief. To get a better sense of the types of therapeutic approaches I use and what you can expect in treatment, you can go to link: counseling.
Author of Lose That Mommy Guilt, Tales and Tips from an Imperfect Mom, author of the chapter Coping with Discouragement, Building Self-Confidence in the book, Millennials in Wonderland, Coaching at the Crossroads of Life and Career, and currently spend time as a volunteer locally with the Chatham Mayor's Wellness Committee, as well as past work with MS Society, Madison's Mayor's Wellness Committee, Believe Inspire Grow and the Red Cross as a Certified Red Cross Resiliency / Reconnection Mind-Body Facilitator.