​Cara Maksimow, LCSW

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.