Maxwell Keller
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, active listening, and a commitment to mindful curiosity. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where your unique story can be truly heard and valued. Rather than simply diagnosing a problem, I listen for the 'hidden' stories of your strengths and values that often get overshadowed. My approach to active listening is about more than just understanding; it’s about standing alongside you to deconstruct the challenges you face and uncover the skills you already possess. Together, we will collaborate to rewrite the narratives that no longer serve you, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and the reclamation of your personal agency.
We’ll navigate the disorientation of life transitions with patience—honoring the 'middle space' without rushing toward premature closure.
First session
In our first session, I provide a warm, curious space where we honor two fundamental truths: you are the expert on your life, and the problem is the problem—not you. We’ll begin by exploring the stories you carry, gently separating your identity from the challenges you’re facing so your strengths can finally breathe. While we honor your experiences, our focus will be future-facing. We’ll identify your 'best hopes' for our work and look for the 'sparkling moments' where you’ve already outmaneuvered the problem. Within this confidential space, we’ll move beyond just surviving the narrative to actively authoring your preferred future. My goal is that you walk out of our first conversation feeling like the author of your own next chapter, carrying a renewed sense of hope and a clearer vision of the life you want to lead.
Strengths
Through our work together, we will engage in the meaningful process of identifying when a story has outlived its usefulness. We’ll navigate the disorientation of life transitions with patience—honoring the 'middle space' without rushing toward premature closure. This is more than traditional therapy; it is a creative collaboration where we build futures worth living, rather than just seeking escape routes from the present. Together, we move beyond 'therapy as usual' to explore an landscape of Collaborative Possibilities, co-authoring a life that feels authentic to who you are becoming.
Ideal clients
I specialize in working with clients who are ready to deconstruct the narratives that no longer serve them. Someone who feels stuck in a 'problem-focused' story and is ready to reclaim their sense of agency. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, healing from trauma, substance use, or managing relationship challenges, I work with individuals who want to move beyond labels and rediscover their inherent strengths. If you value a collaborative, non-hierarchical partnership and are looking for a space where your unique history is honored, and not used to define your entire future. If you are looking for a therapist who views you as the expert and focuses on collaborative solutions rather than just symptoms, a curious and supportive therapist to help you navigate the complexities of the journey with dignity and purpose then we would be a great fit.
Treatment methods
Narrative
I utilize a dual-modality approach that integrates Narrative Therapy with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). These two modalities complement each other perfectly in order to facilitate deep, meaningful change within a condensed timeframe. Narrative Therapy allows us to 'externalize' the problems you face. By separating your identity from your challenges, we can rewrite the stories you tell yourself, moving away from a narrative of struggle and toward one of resilience and agency.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
SFBT then takes that newfound agency and applies it to the future. Instead of dwelling on why a problem exists, we focus on the 'exceptions'—the times when the problem wasn't in control—and use those as building blocks to design actionable solutions. My goal is to help you move from being a character in a story written by your problems to becoming the author of your own future.
Attachment-based
When working with Families I use an Attachment Based Family approach. which focuses on repairing ruptures in the parent-child relationship, particularly with adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or trauma. It's grounded in attachment theory, which holds that secure emotional bonds are essential for healthy development.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions211 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 47750