Monica-Max West

Welcome to my profile.

I am an experienced and skilled therapist who is warm, approachable and transparent.

I hope that this profile will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.

Before arranging a first appointment, I offer a free zoom chat to discuss what support you need at this time, and what I can offer. Please feel free to ask the questions that are important to you.

When people seek therapy, they are often very vulnerable, yet clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years experience, I offer the safe, therapeutic space of openness and kindness, which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative: each client and therapy is unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration that creates a greater sense of well-being, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life.

I work with many issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, trauma and addictions.

I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a profound belief in humans' capacity to change and grow. I will:

Listen deeply and respecfully to you;

Reflect your wisdom; encourage you;

Notice patterns and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past affects the present;

Challenge you appropriately;

Help you access different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (including Inner Child Work);

Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.

I am a MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework, and also have a wide range of more advanced training/practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status. I have more than 20 years and 25,000 client hours of experience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I have specialist expertise in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions.

I also work with any other parts of human life, such as anxiety, depression, stress and loss.

My clients are from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives, people who are LGBTQ+ and those wishing to pursue a more mindful path.  (Please see my website for more information.)

My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.

Humanistic Psychotherapy emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your authentic self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships, and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.

I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, sex, alcohol, drugs, perfectionism, etc. CBT focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.

I am deeply aware of the influence of family, culture, religion and society (systemic approach) on us; I also incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate.

I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assumptions. My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.

Everything that is shared with me in therapy sessions is held as confidential. I believe in the value of supervision and training for my professional work, and engage with both regularly.

Before making a first appointment, we can arrange a free phone/zoom call (lasting up to 20 minutes), so that you can ask any questions you may have, and I can also take some details from you.

If you then decide to try a first session with me, I will first send you an email with some written materials about counselling and the way that I work, along with a confirmation of our first appointment.

The purpose of the first session will be for us to begin to get to know each other a bit, and to assess whether we believe we can work together in a way that will be useful to you.

You will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and what has brought you to counselling. You may also wish to ask me questions about the therapy process, the way that I work as a therapist, or anything in the documents you will have received via email.

During this first session, I will also ask you some specific questions about yourself, such as information about your general health and well-being, and background information about you. This will help me to understand you in the context of your life and will help me to assess whether I believe I can help you with your current issues. I will also ask you for details of any medication you are taking and for the contact details of your GP.

In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.

The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.

You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.

Welcome to my profile.

I am an experienced and skilled therapist who is warm, approachable and transparent.

I hope that this profile will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.

Before arranging a first appointment, I offer a free zoom chat to discuss what support you need at this time, and what I can offer. Please feel free to ask the questions that are important to you.

When people seek therapy, they are often very vulnerable, yet clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years experience, I offer the safe, therapeutic space of openness and kindness, which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative: each client and therapy is unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration that creates a greater sense of well-being, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life.

I work with many issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, trauma and addictions.

I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a profound belief in humans' capacity to change and grow. I will:

Listen deeply and respecfully to you;

Reflect your wisdom; encourage you;

Notice patterns and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past affects the present;

Challenge you appropriately;

Help you access different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (including Inner Child Work);

Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.

I am a MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework, and also have a wide range of more advanced training/practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status. I have more than 20 years and 25,000 client hours of experience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I have specialist expertise in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions.

I also work with any other parts of human life, such as anxiety, depression, stress and loss.

My clients are from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives, people who are LGBTQ+ and those wishing to pursue a more mindful path. (Please see my website for more information.)

My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.

Humanistic Psychotherapy emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your authentic self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships, and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.

I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, sex, alcohol, drugs, perfectionism, etc. CBT focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.

I am deeply aware of the influence of family, culture, religion and society (systemic approach) on us; I also incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate.

I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assumptions. My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.

Everything that is shared with me in therapy sessions is held as confidential. I believe in the value of supervision and training for my professional work, and engage with both regularly.

Before making a first appointment, we can arrange a free phone/zoom call (lasting up to 20 minutes), so that you can ask any questions you may have, and I can also take some details from you.

If you then decide to try a first session with me, I will first send you an email with some written materials about counselling and the way that I work, along with a confirmation of our first appointment.

The purpose of the first session will be for us to begin to get to know each other a bit, and to assess whether we believe we can work together in a way that will be useful to you.

You will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and what has brought you to counselling. You may also wish to ask me questions about the therapy process, the way that I work as a therapist, or anything in the documents you will have received via email.

During this first session, I will also ask you some specific questions about yourself, such as information about your general health and well-being, and background information about you. This will help me to understand you in the context of your life and will help me to assess whether I believe I can help you with your current issues. I will also ask you for details of any medication you are taking and for the contact details of your GP.

In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.

The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.

You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.

Welcome to my profile.

I am an experienced and skilled therapist who is warm, approachable and transparent.

I hope that this profile will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.

Before arranging a first appointment, I offer a free zoom chat to discuss what support you need at this time, and what I can offer. Please feel free to ask the questions that are important to you.

When people seek therapy, they are often very vulnerable, yet clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years experience, I offer the safe, therapeutic space of openness and kindness, which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative: each client and therapy is unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration that creates a greater sense of well-being, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life.

I work with many issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, trauma and addictions.

I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a profound belief in humans' capacity to change and grow. I will:

Listen deeply and respecfully to you;

Reflect your wisdom; encourage you;

Notice patterns and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past affects the present;

Challenge you appropriately;

Help you access different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (including Inner Child Work);

Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.

I am a MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework, and also have a wide range of more advanced training/practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status. I have more than 20 years and 25,000 client hours of experience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I have specialist expertise in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions.

I also work with any other parts of human life, such as anxiety, depression, stress and loss.

My clients are from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives, people who are LGBTQ+ and those wishing to pursue a more mindful path. (Please see my website for more information.)

My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.

Humanistic Psychotherapy emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your authentic self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships, and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.

I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, sex, alcohol, drugs, perfectionism, etc. CBT focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.

I am deeply aware of the influence of family, culture, religion and society (systemic approach) on us; I also incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate.

I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assumptions. My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.

Everything that is shared with me in therapy sessions is held as confidential. I believe in the value of supervision and training for my professional work, and engage with both regularly.

Before making a first appointment, we can arrange a free phone/zoom call (lasting up to 20 minutes), so that you can ask any questions you may have, and I can also take some details from you.

If you then decide to try a first session with me, I will first send you an email with some written materials about counselling and the way that I work, along with a confirmation of our first appointment.

The purpose of the first session will be for us to begin to get to know each other a bit, and to assess whether we believe we can work together in a way that will be useful to you.

You will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and what has brought you to counselling. You may also wish to ask me questions about the therapy process, the way that I work as a therapist, or anything in the documents you will have received via email.

During this first session, I will also ask you some specific questions about yourself, such as information about your general health and well-being, and background information about you. This will help me to understand you in the context of your life and will help me to assess whether I believe I can help you with your current issues. I will also ask you for details of any medication you are taking and for the contact details of your GP.

In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.

The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.

You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.

Welcome to my profile.

I am an experienced and skilled therapist who is warm, approachable and transparent.

I hope that this profile will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.

Before arranging a first appointment, I offer a free zoom chat to discuss what support you need at this time, and what I can offer. Please feel free to ask the questions that are important to you.

When people seek therapy, they are often very vulnerable, yet clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years experience, I offer the safe, therapeutic space of openness and kindness, which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative: each client and therapy is unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration that creates a greater sense of well-being, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life.

I work with many issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, trauma and addictions.

I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a profound belief in humans' capacity to change and grow. I will:

Listen deeply and respecfully to you;

Reflect your wisdom; encourage you;

Notice patterns and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past affects the present;

Challenge you appropriately;

Help you access different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (including Inner Child Work);

Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.

I am a MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework, and also have a wide range of more advanced training/practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status. I have more than 20 years and 25,000 client hours of experience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I have specialist expertise in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions.

I also work with any other parts of human life, such as anxiety, depression, stress and loss.

My clients are from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives, people who are LGBTQ+ and those wishing to pursue a more mindful path. ( Please see my website for more information.)

My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.

Humanistic Psychotherapy emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your authentic self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships, and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.

I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, sex, alcohol, drugs, perfectionism, etc. CBT focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.

I am deeply aware of the influence of family, culture, religion and society (systemic approach) on us; I also incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate.

I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assumptions. My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.

Everything that is shared with me in therapy sessions is held as confidential. I believe in the value of supervision and training for my professional work, and engage with both regularly.

Before making a first appointment, we can arrange a free phone/zoom call (lasting up to 20 minutes), so that you can ask any questions you may have, and I can also take some details from you.

If you then decide to try a first session with me, I will first send you an email with some written materials about counselling and the way that I work, along with a confirmation of our first appointment.

The purpose of the first session will be for us to begin to get to know each other a bit, and to assess whether we believe we can work together in a way that will be useful to you.

You will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and what has brought you to counselling. You may also wish to ask me questions about the therapy process, the way that I work as a therapist, or anything in the documents you will have received via email.

During this first session, I will also ask you some specific questions about yourself, such as information about your general health and well-being, and background information about you. This will help me to understand you in the context of your life and will help me to assess whether I believe I can help you with your current issues. I will also ask you for details of any medication you are taking and for the contact details of your GP.

In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.

The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.

You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.

Welcome to my profile.

I am an experienced and skilled therapist who is warm, approachable and transparent.

I hope that this profile will help you get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.

Before arranging a first appointment, I offer a free zoom chat to discuss what support you need at this time, and what I can offer. Please feel free to ask the questions that are important to you.

When people seek therapy, they are often very vulnerable, yet clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years experience, I offer the safe, therapeutic space of openness and kindness, which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative: each client and therapy is unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration that creates a greater sense of well-being, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life.

I work with many issues, including anxiety, depression and stress. I have specialisms in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, trauma and addictions.

I am an engaging and responsive therapist, with a profound belief in humans' capacity to change and grow. I will:

Listen deeply and respecfully to you;

Reflect your wisdom; encourage you;

Notice patterns and "stuck areas", particularly in terms of how the past affects the present;

Challenge you appropriately;

Help you access different ‘parts’ of yourself that may be in conflict (including Inner Child Work);

Share information; teach mindfulness; encourage new ways of behaving.

I am a MBACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor. I meet the BACP's recognised accreditation standards, abide by their Ethical Framework, and also have a wide range of more advanced training/practice requirements leading to Senior Accredited status. I have more than 20 years and 25,000 client hours of experience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I have specialist expertise in working with difficulties related to childhood abuse/neglect, codependency, low self-esteem, trauma and addictions.

I also work with any other parts of human life, such as anxiety, depression, stress and loss.

My clients are from all walks of life, including those in 12 step fellowships, expats, creatives, people who are LGBTQ+ and those wishing to pursue a more mindful path. (Please see my website for more information.)

My core practice primarily integrates Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapies.

Humanistic Psychotherapy emphasises the importance of the expression of feelings, and focusses on helping you to find your authentic self, which may be hidden under longstanding life beliefs about what you 'should' do or be.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy places importance on the link between the past and present, on looking at patterns in relationships, and on working symbolically and with the less conscious parts of self.

I utilise tools and perspectives from CBT therapies, particularly when focussing on compulsions such as food, sex, alcohol, drugs, perfectionism, etc. CBT focusses on addressing counter-productive ways of thinking and behaving that may be inhibiting you from having the life you want.

I am deeply aware of the influence of family, culture, religion and society (systemic approach) on us; I also incorporate mindfulness and trauma informed approaches where appropriate.

I value the diversity in human beings, and will listen and respond to the specifics of your lived experience without assumptions. My way of being as a therapist is informed by my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, openness to individuals' right to define themselves and their lives, delight in the power and process of creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness in all life.

Everything that is shared with me in therapy sessions is held as confidential. I believe in the value of supervision and training for my professional work, and engage with both regularly.

Before making a first appointment, we can arrange a free phone/zoom call (lasting up to 20 minutes), so that you can ask any questions you may have, and I can also take some details from you.

If you then decide to try a first session with me, I will first send you an email with some written materials about counselling and the way that I work, along with a confirmation of our first appointment.

The purpose of the first session will be for us to begin to get to know each other a bit, and to assess whether we believe we can work together in a way that will be useful to you.

You will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and what has brought you to counselling. You may also wish to ask me questions about the therapy process, the way that I work as a therapist, or anything in the documents you will have received via email.

During this first session, I will also ask you some specific questions about yourself, such as information about your general health and well-being, and background information about you. This will help me to understand you in the context of your life and will help me to assess whether I believe I can help you with your current issues. I will also ask you for details of any medication you are taking and for the contact details of your GP.

In order to make my services accessible to as many people as possible, my fee structure is based on individual financial circumstances. The starting point for this calculation is income. In addition, personal savings and investments are taken into account. These calculations are on a trust basis, and no proof of financial circumstances is required.

The baseline charge for a 50-minute session of counselling/psychotherapy - payable at the time of the session - is from £65 upwards. The lowest rate is for those earning less than £40K pa; these places are limited to four, so please do ask about availability.

You will receive clear guidance on my sliding scale in the brochure that I will send you before a first appointment.

I am a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor, and have over 25 years of experience in the field.  I am particularly experienced in clinical work with abuse,  addictions and adults who grew up in dysfunctional families (trauma). 

I work both face-to-face and online.

Where available, I offer daytime, lunchtime and early morning (pre-work) appointments.

I studied with Michael Jacobs at the University of Leicester, where I received my Certificate in Psychodynamic Supervision (Distinction).

My core psychotherapy qualification is an M.A. in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling (Distinction), and my Integration is primarily Humanistic and Psychodynamic. I also hold qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, Mediation and Hypnotherapy.  I have further training in Lifespan Integration (Level Two) and a particular interest in Mindfulness.

I have been seeing clients for over 30 years and have offered over 20,000 hours of therapy.  I have been a supervisor for over 20 years, and have experience supervising counsellors in the voluntary sector, NHS, EAPs, adult education, training institutions and private practice. I work with individuals at different stages of their development and across different theoretical orientations.

My fees are on a sliding scale based on income, ranging from £65-100 per 50 minute hour.

I work with psychotherapists, counsellors and other Health Professionals, meeting them where they are, in their careers and in their personhood.  I respect other people's models and orientations and believe the differences between supervisor and supervisee can bring about fruitful discussions.  Together, we can think about the needs of your clients and the impact of the work you undertake on you.  I am an interactive (but not didactic) supervisor, and am particularly keen on client safety and boundaries.  Supervision sessions may be scheduled as needed, at intervals of 1-4 weeks, for up to 1.5 hours. 

Before we meet, I will take some details from you over the phone or zoom.  This will give me some idea of your training, context of work and needs.  You will also be given an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have about my approach as a supervisor.

At a first meeting, we will delve into your work, together exploring a client or two.  Through this initial conversation, you may get a sense of how working with me might be.  You will be offered listening, exploratory questions and any tentative insights or observations I might have.

If you want to get a sense of me and how I work, you might wish to visit my website (which is mostly geared towards clients) and watch one of my videos.

I look forward to meeting you.