Cara maksimow

I am a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping others successfully navigate through times of stress and challenge. As a psychotherapist I specialize in supportive therapy for life and work transitions, depression, anxiety and managing disease. My eclectic approach utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, problem solving, goal setting, identification of strengths and increasing resiliency.

I have spent many years as a therapist, a corporate sales leader and trainer, as well as a wife and mom. I have learned that no matter role I am in, what I truly enjoy the most is helping others be and feel their best!

I began my career as a Mental Health Specialist at an inpatient psychiatric hospital unit in 1992. From there I worked in other settings as a clinician and a clinical supervisor with multiple mental health issues including anxiety, depression, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. I completed my Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University in NYC in 1996 and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 1998.

In 2000, I decided to bring my skills to the pharmaceutical industry where I partnered with physicians to identify appropriate pharmacological treatment options for patients. Working with doctors and pharmaceutical experts as well as my own personal experiences with those close to me and my own chronic illness has given me a unique and excellent understanding of of disease and pharmacological disease management in areas such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, MS, cancer, ulcerative colitis and eczema. These experiences allow me to better help my clients dealing with medical conditions through supportive therapy.


I spent the majority of my corporate career as a Sales Manager and Trainer, helping my teams achieve success and coaching them through critical challenges including downsizing, product recalls and Health Care Reform. I managed, mentored and coached teams of sales professionals for over 10 years and I understand the obstacles and stressors associated with managing career and life and family. I attribute much of my corporate success to building relationships and helping my team members maximize their strengths.

Throughout the years working I was also raising a family. I am a mom of two amazing children. My experience as a parent has also added to my ability to coach and counsel, specifically moms who are overwhelmed and feeling the stressors of parenthood. One of my children has a severe peanut and tree nut food allergy and I know particularly how much anxiety and stress goes along with balancing all that moms have to do each and every day.

Coaching Specialization(s):

Life Coach

Treatment Approach

Coaching

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Eclectic

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Treatment Modality

Individuals

Mental Health

Mood Disorders

Thinking Disorders

Issues

Anger Management

Anxiety or Fears

Behavioral issues

Career Counseling

Chronic Pain or illness

Consulting

Coping skills

Depression

Divorce

Emotional Disturbance

Family Conflict

LCSW Supervision

Life Coaching

Parenting

Peer Relationships

Relationship issues

Self Esteem