I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents seeking support in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, creative blockages, compulsive behaviors, addictions, grief, anger, “stuckness” and sexual frustrations. My experience includes years working in the arts, making me well suited to support creative individuals.

I draw from a psychoanalytic perspective, guiding you through an in-depth and creative exploration of your inner world. This process is designed to foster lasting transformation, helping you to break free from recurring patterns that hold you back.

Together, we’ll examine the repetitive dynamics that shape your decisions and behaviors. Our focus will be on understanding the central influences in your life—whether they’re linked to childhood experiences, family dynamics, sexuality, love, emotional loss, or past trauma.

We’ll explore dreams, fantasies, and key relationships—both past and present—that may be stirring feelings of pain, longing, anxiety, or confusion. While many therapeutic approaches seek quick fixes, psychoanalytic work creates the space to uncover the deeper roots of your distress and unmet desire. This allows you to find your own unique solutions.

This process is not passive and it’s not about me offering ready-made advice or "life hacks." Instead, it’s a dynamic and collaborative journey, where we work together in a space where your thoughts and experiences are heard and explored allowing you to step into a life that's richer and more fulfilling.

  • Psychoanalytic / Depth Therapy

    Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a means of encountering the unconscious to discover the causes of anxiety, depression and patterns that, while familiar, may be frustrating and confounding in their repetition. If you feel trapped in “bad” or “wrong” behaviors, compulsions, disorders, relationships, or work, the practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy can support you in finding your own unique way out of what has seemed fated.

  • Expressive Arts

    Trained in drama and expressive arts therapy, I employ a broad spectrum of creative techniques ranging from collage and poetry to role play and psychodrama to support creativity, embodiment and healing.

  • Existential

    Supports you in defining and pursuing your values and sense of meaning in order to live with greater freedom.  

  • Internal Family Systems / Parts Work

    Just as we exist within external systems (family, workplace, society, etc.) we possess internal systems of parts; some protectors, some bearing old wounds. These parts may work together or be in conflict. I facilitate your deepening knowledge of, and communication with these parts to move the whole system toward balance and Self-leadership. 

Experience

EXPERIENCE

Adjunct instructor of psychotherapeutic theory, CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies)

Individual, Couples & Family Therapy at Coldwater Counseling

Individual therapy at Inneractions Intensive Outpatient Program

Individual, Couples & Group Therapy at the Liberation Institute 

Role Play Game Group Therapy w/ neurodivergent adolescents 

EDUCATION

California Institute of Integral Studies (MA) Counseling Psychology, Drama Therapy 

SUNY Purchase (BFA) Filmmaking

CREDENTIALS

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #134936

Supervised by Bridget Morpurgo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #40447 

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY PROFILE

CLIENT AGES

  • Adults

  • Elders (65+)

  • Teen

  • Preteen

COMMUNITIES

  • Bisexual Allied

  • Gay Allied

  • Non-Binary Allied

  • Poly / Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy

  • Queer Allied

  • Trans Allied

  • BDSM and Kink Affirming

To schedule a free 15 minute a consultation: 

☏ (call or text) (213) 573-5934 

✉ max@maxlandestherapy.com

Or use the form below

Let’s Connect

  • I offer in-person sessions in Pasadena and online sessions for all California residents

  • Insurance: I provide super-bills as an out-of-network provider.

  • Fees: Please contact me for current pricing.