Why I specialize in OCD

What really draws me to treating OCD is the fact that I've actually done a lot of exposure therapy for trauma, so it easily translates and relates. I come from a very, very small town in the middle of Pennsylvania where mental health was not widely accepted or recognized, and I guess that's also why I have a sensitive spot for OCD. I worked a lot with addiction, too, which is also very misunderstood and misrepresented.

My favorite part of treating OCD

I once had someone tell me after some time in therapy, "Max, honestly, I had to remind myself that I had OCD. I had to remind myself that at one point in time I couldn't pick up a pair of scissors, let alone a knife, and I couldn't be around anything sharp or make dinner for my partner." To hear somebody say that they have their life back in that way is incredibly powerful, especially after feeling like they've lost themselves for so many years, don't recognize themselves, and think they're never going to get that back.

Why my members say they feel comfortable with me

My honesty. I will be very direct with you, right from the get-go. I always say therapy is not easy, but it's worthwhile. That's the thing I love to tell people more than anything. I will never guarantee you that this is easy, but I can guarantee you it will be worthwhile. I'm here to let you know that you're not alone, and you have somebody you can trust. You have somebody who's going to be very transparent with you, who's not going to mince anything, and who's not going to lead you astray.