Maxfield Koontz, BA
Graduate Student Intern
Identities: Queer
Therapeutic Style: Curious, Playful and Honest
Works with:
- Individuals
- Teens
- Couples
- Child/Family
- Adult Families
Who I am as a Therapist
We all grapple with the extraordinary difficulties of ordinary life. I believe life’s struggles, however difficult they may be, are sustenance for personal and collective growth, healing, and transformation. I view our time together in therapy as an opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey, however that may look. Whatever brings you in for therapy, I am honored to meet you there.
My approach is rooted in experiential modalities that bring awareness to felt senses and emotions from a non-judgemental, compassionate, and curious place. I believe that when we allow ourselves to sit with our present felt experience, to be with discomfort and pain, possibilities of change come into reach. It is also through vulnerable connection with others that we heal both individually and relationally. Often, our inability to be with ourselves is what inhibits us from the relationships we crave. Connection to others is what makes life’s pain bearable, and is a means to find joy in times of hardship. I view our time together as a collaborative space to explore the complexities of your human journey. I work with individuals, those in relationships, and families.
As a cisgender gay man I have lived experience in the queer community and am committed to practicing from an intersectional, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens. I strive to hold an inclusive and affirming space that honors the experiences of all marginalized identities. Whatever your background may be, I invite you to bring your authentic self into the room.
“We’re all just walking each other home.” —Ram Dass
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Addiction & Substance Use
- ADHD
- Aging
- Anxiety
- Attachment and Relational Challenges
- Consensually Non-monogamous Relationships
- Cultural & Systemic Oppression
- Depression
- End of Life
- Gender Transitions
- Grief & Loss
- Identity Development
- LGBTQIA+
- Managing Stress
- Men’s Issues
- Mood Dysregulation
- Neurodiversity
- Spirituality
- Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)
Therapeutic Approaches
- EcoTherapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Mind/Body Somatic
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
In my free time you can find me out in my garden, playing fiddle, and birdwatching. I am an avid plant person, and am often out in the woods gathering something for food or medicine. I listen to a lot of music, and have been known to switch from honky tonk to techno house in the same car ride.
Education
- Pursuing Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
- Bachelor in Environmental Studies from Naropa University, Boulder, CO
Training & Experience
- Concentrated coursework in systemic therapy, relationships, addiction, and trauma
- Experience as a medical companion volunteer at a supportive housing community for folks living with HIV
- Camp counselor at an LGBTQIA+ outdoors camp for teens
- Past experience as an environmental educator and organic farmer