- CBT techniques
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Narrative approaches
About Maxwell
Maxwell Sleep-Frankel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with eight years of clinical experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, and coping with life changes, including concerns related to aging, caregiving, chronic illness, and guilt and shame.
He began his training with a BA in philosophy and psychology and completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago. He has focused much of his work on adults living with disabilities and older adults, helping them manage transitions and losses over time.
In sessions he uses practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside a client-centered stance. That means he helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck, try small behavioral changes, and clarify values to guide next steps. He also draws on Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy when they fit the goals.
The profile notes experience with addiction and military-connected issues, and Maxwell has worked with people facing substance use concerns and related life problems. He integrates trauma- and grief-informed perspectives when past events affect present functioning.
People meeting him can expect direct, plain talk about what is getting in the way, and step-by-step options to try. To start, he asks about current struggles and what a person wants to change, then sets short-term goals that feel manageable.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, then identify values and take committed steps that matter. It is often useful for long-standing guilt, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers specific experiments and exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and many daily stressors.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maxwell will discuss these methods with clients and decide together which fits best based on the person’s goals and preferences. That collaborative process can mean trying an exercise for a few sessions and adjusting as needed.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Many people appreciate online sessions because they can fit appointments around work, caregiving, or medical needs, skip travel time, and choose quieter surroundings for focused conversation. Online work can also make it easier to use written exercises, shared worksheets, or brief check-ins between sessions when helpful.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with related to guilt or shame?
He lists guilt and shame among focus areas and works with adults who are troubled by those feelings alongside grief, addiction, or life changes.
How does he approach feelings of guilt or shame in therapy?
He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, try small behavioral shifts, and reconnect with personal values.
What background does he bring to this work?
He has eight years of experience and substantial work with older adults and people with disabilities, focusing on transitions, loss, and addiction-related concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and practices from that state.
Can I work with him if I live outside the U.S.?
Sessions are offered in English and he does accept international clients; confirm any region-specific details before booking.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.