Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC
I am dedicated to helping others successfully navigate through times of stress and challenge. As a NJ licensed social worker I specialize in clinical therapy helping people experiencing life and work transitions, symptoms of depression, anxiety and managing through a medical diagnosis. My approach is collaborative and goal focused using tools based in CBT, (cognitive behavioral therapy), PP (Positive Psychology), and MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction). As a life coach I will help you to set and reach your goals, get organized and stay accountable personally and professionally. I have spent many years in the healthcare field as both a therapist and sales trainer and manager as well as a wife and mom. I have learned that no matter the role I am in, what I truly enjoy is helping others be and feel their best.
Verified by Psychology Today I began my career as a Mental Health Specialist at an inpatient psychiatric hospital unit in 1992. From there I worked in other settings as a clinician and a clinical supervisor with multiple mental health issues including anxiety, depression, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. I completed my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University in NYC in 1996 and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 1998. In 2000, I decided to bring my skills to the pharmaceutical industry where I partnered with physicians to identify appropriate pharmacological treatment options for patients. Working with doctors and pharmaceutical experts as well as my own personal experiences with those close to me and my own chronic illness has given me a unique and excellent understanding of of disease and pharmacological disease management in areas such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, MS, cancer, ulcerative colitis and eczema. These experiences allow me to better help my clients dealing with medical conditions through supportive therapy.
I spent the majority of my corporate career as a Sales Manager and Trainer, helping my teams achieve success and coaching them through critical challenges including downsizing, product recalls and Health Care Reform. I managed, mentored and coached teams of sales professionals for over 10 years and I understand the obstacles and stressors associated with managing career and life and family. I attribute much of my corporate success to building relationships and helping my team members maximize their strengths. Throughout the years working I was also raising a family. I am a mom of two amazing children. My experience as a parent has also added to my ability to coach and counsel, specifically moms who are overwhelmed and feeling the stressors of parenthood. I understand how much anxiety and stress goes along with balancing all that moms have to do each and every day. My experiences motivated me to write the book Lose that Mommy Guilt to remind all moms just how fantastic they are.
My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Rutgers University and my MSW from Columbia University, with a specialization in Health/Mental Health and minor in Law. I also have a certificate in Professional Coaching from the Fowler International Academy of Professional Coaching.