Maxine Whitney
BA; she/hers
clinical mental health counseling graduate student
I do this work because I want to create a safe place for self-exploration. I have been in the other seat; I have experienced the empowerment that can come from doing the work in the therapy room. I am passionate about helping my clients deepen their connection with their needs, wants, and hopes. I feel everyone is deserving of a happy, confident, shame-free existence both individually and in their relationships. It is my goal to make that a reality.
I am deeply interested in helping individuals and couples who are struggling with obstacles in their sexual health and wellbeing. I would love to help my clients release shameful habits and ways of thinking to help embrace desire and pleasure both personally and in their relationships.
I also believe that…
You are so strong, and so cool! Being vulnerable is hard! Opening doors into your personal life with someone in the pursuit of healing takes incredible strength. Whether you are just starting this process or are looking to continue it, you should be proud of yourself. I’m proud of you!
Your goals are valid. No matter what you want to accomplish with me, I am in your corner. There is no problem more deserving of treatment than another. If it feels temporary, or long-term, regardless of the timeline, severity, or impact on your life it has my full attention during our time together. I am committed to doing the work you bring to the table; I want to see you thrive!
Self-love and self-acceptance are hard to reach, but life changing to experience. Although it’s an ongoing journey, the work I have done when I am on the opposite side of the table has shown me that reaching these things is challenging, but not impossible, You can learn to feel this way about yourself, and no matter the severity of your feelings on this, I will use the tools I have learned to help base the journey in your reality. Wherever you are on this path, I will meet you and go from there.
My purpose at The Gaia Center is to create a peaceful, supportive, shame-free environment where you can be, and learn to love, your most authentic self.
I am here to be your cheerleader, to walk through life’s beautiful, challenging, and unique moments with you.
I work with adults and teens individually, as well as with couples/relationships. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, body image, and relationship challenges.
I am passionate about supporting those who are struggling with their sexual health and wellbeing, whether that be from sexual trauma, purity culture, shame, exploration of sexual identity, or overall physical sexual health. I am enthusiastic about helping people reclaim desire and pleasure and feel seen and heard in their physical and romantic relationships.
I’m also queer, and love working with the LGBTQ+ community! 🏳️🌈
Credentials:
Maxine is currently a graduate student pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Belmont University. She is interning at The Gaia Center to gain clinical experience during her master's program. She has support and supervision with Belmont University and clinical supervision with Valerie Martin, LCSW, and Colleen Conklin, LPC-MHSP.
She completed her Bachelor’s degree at home in New York City and is so excited to be here serving the Nashville and greater Tennessee community!
Human First…
When I’m not working, you can find me thrifting or antiquing, lounging in front of any body of water, playing Sims, exploring Nashville’s growing food scene with my partner, listening to Rihanna, or squeezing one of my two cats.
Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Maxine?
Maxine works with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents 13+.
Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.
Hours & Rates…
🌱 Typically sees clients on Mondays before 1pm and Wednesdays between 4:30p-7:30p.
🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $70 ($85 for couples)
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $105 ($120 for couples)
🌱 As a graduate intern therapist at The Gaia Center, Maxine offers Pay What You Can therapy with clients who could not otherwise financially access our services. For more info and to apply, visit this form.