Testimonial 1:1 & Group Work

Emily Joy Johnston ~ Artist

I reached out to Maxine in a time of searching. I was a new mother and simultaneously at loose ends in my work. I was in a new place in my life, and I knew I needed support to navigate the unknown and clarify a sense of purpose. I had left my work as a commercial photographer in NYC and moved to the country to discover a deeper connection to my own values, and an art practice that aligned with them. I had left much of my former understanding of myself in the world behind, but wasn’t sure what would or could arise in its place. 

Having worked with Maxine for a couple of months before she invited me to join the group, I was apprehensive about being witnessed doing such vulnerable work by a group of strangers, and I could also feel the possibility for growth in healing in that. What I could not have anticipated is the skill with which Maxine held a transformative space for each one of us, and how firmly my own shame and self-judgement were rooted, and what relief lay on the other side of allowing myself to be seen in a compassionate and nurturing space. I always felt safe in the group, and when my own internal fears arose, I could feel the difference. Maxine’s discerning spirit, deep intuition, and integrity of practice guided and held each of us and all of us at once as we unfurled into greater freedom. The experience with these humans also expanded my compassion for the suffering of all beings, and with that to release a lot of internalized perfectionism and hierarchical thinking. 

Your Results Through Working With Maxine in her group program?

In a word, ease. I trust myself more deeply after seeing myself through the loving eyes of sisterhood. The concrete details of this new cycle in my work are still unfolding but along the way I have felt an unwavering sense of grounded confidence that has allowed me to open to my life with greater curiosity and to weave an infinitely more expansive path than I had ever imagined. I told someone just yesterday that the group work was a pivotal experience in my life. A Before/After kind of moment. Maxine created a space for deep, root-level change to happen. Most recently I have discovered a practice of earth pigment making that integrates my spiritual and ecological selves with my creative practice, and am slowly also developing and revealing the writing face of my work. I feel the potency of my work and leadership to unify others in community and turn us together toward embodying the kind of future we all want to live in. When I think back on the group experience, I see it as a moment of returning to the creative potential of my youngest self, shedding the layers of fear and pain that had muted her over the years. I’m forever grateful to Maxine and our cohort! 

Your Message To Other Women Who Want To Change Their Career?

In my experience, my career has turned out to be the very tip of the iceberg of the transformation I was seeking. It’s the visible body of change. The invisible body of change is where the work is most needed and most potent. The contraction of leaning in to those hidden places with a guide like Maxine will yield to a beautiful expansion on the other side.

Testimonial - Group Work

Yahaira Malkenhorst ~ Jewelry Designer

When I first discovered Maxine's offering, I was in a rut. I had just graduated from fashion school in the throws of the pandemic lockdown and the future looked bleak.My confidence was very low. At the time I was looking for a source of tools and support that would help me reinvigorate my creativity and provide more clarity on my career path. I had tried traditional talk therapy and explored a plethora of self-help methods to try to address career issues, but kept hitting a wall. I knew I had to try something different and was intrigued by the holistic approach that Maxine offered. 

The experience I had working with Maxine in her group container was incredible. Although I consider myself an introvert with some social anxiety, I actually looked forward to meeting every week and felt safe to express myself. The group of women in my container made me feel less alone and more inspired. I felt that there was a good balance of healthy boundaries and respect throughout the course. More importantly, I felt that Maxine created a non-judgmental space and her philosophy genuinely helped me heal some of the toxic beliefs I was carrying prior to joining the group. 

Your Results Through Working With Maxine in her group program? 

My time working with Maxine and the group was fruitful. The exercises we did together challenged me at times, but improved my ability to express myself more authentically. During the course of our time together, I became inspired to make art again and made many new pieces that connected me back to my higher power. I went from feeling quite hopeless to feeling a sense of purpose and drive again. I transitioned out of a job that wasn't creative into one that had more creative freedom.

Your Message To Other Women Who Want To Change Their Career? 

Maxine is a wonderful guide with a gift of helping others work through challenging times or transitions. I'm so grateful I stumbled upon her offerings and believe that I walked away with helpful tools and insights to continue on my journey alone. If you are looking for non-judgmental guidance and peer support to get more clear on your vision, this is definitely worth the investment.

Testimonial - 1:1 & Group Work

Nikki Lorenzo ~ Musician, Actress, Writer

When I first reached out to Maxine, I was, you could say, flirting with my Saturn return- until I realized that I was actually drowning in it. Not knowing where to begin in my healing journey, the universe, like a moth to a flame, guided me right to her.

Working with Maxine one-on-one felt like I was given a safe space to be honest with myself, particularly in the presence of someone who not only supported the energy it takes to confront that internal discomfort, but who also helped provide a healing container for it. I began to notice an expansion of growth in my inner and outer world during (and beyond) those times with her, and when one-on-one sessions evolved into the experience of then doing it in a group, I saw that there was a powerful electricity of energetic encouragement. It was raw, challenging, and magical.

Doing the inner work is always going to feel a bit scary but I learned within these sessions that the path to healing is not one step forward, two steps back. It’s actually a lot more like a spiral going upwards.

The awareness of that understanding has continuously brought me back to having a commitment of compassion and patience with myself and those around me, which was gracefully championed and inspired by my time with Maxine. I believe the healing work she does is deeply profound and the mark she leaves on you ripples its way throughout the earth. 

Testimonial - Group Work

Ariela Knoles ~ Actress, Writer

What an incredible, life-altering experience working with Maxine, especially in such a supportive container of other women who were doing different things yet shared similar experiences that were equally profound.

I needed something to change before I signed up with the group, but I didn’t know what it was. The container helped shine light on what needed to change and progress, but the most beneficial aspect of it was how empowering it was to learn how to tap into my own intuition and, most importantly, trust it.

Maxine is an awesome person to work with — kind and strong, sheds wisdom in unexpected ways (always knows how to see a “third” way) and you can always rely on her honesty and authenticity.

Testimonial - 1:1 Work

Bridey Elliot ~ Writer/Director, Actress, Comedian

My first free clarity call with Maxine was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I found that Maxine had gently unlocked an awareness within me that I was desperate to discover.

In the days after, I found myself with access to a new energy- I was excited for my journey and my inner child was giddy for the renewed attention. In working with Maxine, I learned to come home to myself, no longer buying into an external search for validation or believing my wounds were more powerful than my gifts.

With a profound clarity, Maxine reflects back your feelings beyond your words, and in doing so gives space for healing the root pain of whatever you are facing.

In working with Maxine, my relationships became deeper, my creativity became freer, and an intuitive curiosity about myself and others replaced my judgement.

Testimonial - 1:1 Work

Ruby Sheng Nichols ~ Healing Practitioner

I was going through a very difficult and heavy emotional time, processing a lot of ancestral wounds and grief and felt like I was drowning a bit. 

I always felt incredibly supported and cared for in Maxine's presence. She gently guided me towards my own body and soul's wisdom, which has been so healing. I also felt equally encouraged and inspired when the time was right to take some new, scary steps forward. It's clear she genuinely cares about the well-being and success of her clients. 

I don't think I could have taken some of the big, bold steps I did without knowing I had the support of Maxine each step of the way. I know my time with her has helped me with some deep healing and am eternally grateful. 

I've recommended Maxine to friends and clients, because I believe in her work and her ability to hold sacred space for deep healing, growth, and expansion. She's a gem and would highly recommend her work to anyone seeking support, especially as a creative person or artist. I appreciate that she comes from this perspective and knows how to cultivate these skills within you.