Book Appointment

Getting to Know……

  1. Tell us something about yourself?

I am a 31-year-old South African who recently moved to Dublin. I studied Psychology both because of an interest in human behaviour and because I believe everyone deserves a space to gain insight and grow. I believe that we can all become empowered and a life well lived is one that incorporates self-love and giving back. I love being with people and having my alone time and my friends describe me as a lovely kind of weird. My favourite things are lasagne, carnations, and long walks on the beach.

  1. What do you love about your job?

Being there for another human being. It is a privilege to create a space where someone feels safe enough to express themselves fully. I enjoy being able to help them gain insight into their life. The world has become so busy and complex that it is rare for people to truly stop and take stock of their lives. I have been on the receiving end of therapy and I remember how restoring it felt to be heard and cared for. I love being able to give that feeling to others. I am glad to be a mental health service provider in a time when people are seeing the value of taking care of their emotional health. I have seen so many people heal past trauma and learn to love themselves. I have seen couples become more intimate and have healthy relationships despite not having any previous role models. What I love about my job is seeing people heal from pain and develop more skills and live a satisfying and meaningful life.

  1. Why is Mental Health Important?

We all deserve a satisfying and meaningful life and this requires holistic health. Your Mental Health is a huge portion of your life and it affects your physical, social and occupational life. In saying this, it is important to not see Mental Health in isolation. Mental health impacts and is impacted by other areas of your life and for a truly satisfying life, all aspects of your health need to be taken care of.

  1. What advice would you give to the readers to help them nurture their mental health?

Listen to yourself and make plans to fulfil your needs. Take time to care for your emotional and mental needs. This may mean adding various activities into your lifestyle that improve all aspects of your life. Improving physical health, lessening your work or financial stress, engaging with friends more or going outside of your comfort zone are some of the ways you can improve your mental health. Taking time out for yourself and restoring your energy regularly is essential. It can be something simple such as listening to music or going for a walk with no technology. It may even mean watching more carefree shows and laughing out aloud. Take a moment to listen to your emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual needs and respect them.

  1. What do you do for your mental health?

Music! I start the day with my favourite tune of the week and I have multiple playlists for different spaces and moods. I prioritise good quality sleep. I speak to my friends weekly and have fun and laugh often. I go to therapy and try not to take for granted that I need a space for myself too. I am honest when I am down or angry and often cry (even in public). I respect myself enough to give myself what I need when I need it. I give back to others as often as possible as this is a very important part of my life.

To book an appointment with Maxine, please email info@citytherapy.ie or Call 086 3788002