Max Lamm June Clinician Spotlight
Max’s Path to Therapy: From Curiosity to Connection
Max has always been fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind. That fascination began early—sparked, surprisingly, by the TV show Monk, where a quirky protagonist regularly met with a therapist to explore his trauma and habits. For Max, this portrayal illuminated a possible future where their natural curiosity about people’s internal lives could merge with their interests in neuroscience, art, yoga, spirituality, and language. The idea that someone could be professionally devoted to helping others make sense of their emotional world resonated deeply.
Like many in the field, Max began their journey into therapy as a self-identified “wounded healer,” initially driven by a desire to rescue others from pain—perhaps as a way to avoid confronting their own. They found early grounding in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), drawn to its structure and practical tools. At the time, DBT provided a sense of control, offering Max something to “hide behind” while building up their identity as a clinician.
But as they grew in the field, Max’s understanding of healing deepened. Over time, they came to recognize that true change doesn’t come from a set of tools alone—it comes from authentic human connection. It was their presence, not just their skills, that made the most meaningful impact. Max began showing up more vulnerably in their sessions, prioritizing their own self-care and humanity, and the results were transformative—not only for their clients, but for themselves.

A major turning point in Max’s evolution as a therapist came through discovering and training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). This modality, which views the psyche as a system of inner “parts,” offered Max a creative and compassionate framework to engage both their own healing and that of their clients. With IFS, they’ve found a path that supports deep shadow work, builds internal relationships, and even allows for integration with spiritual practices like ancestor work and deity connection. For those less spiritually inclined, Max appreciates that IFS also stands on solid clinical ground, supported by research and evidence-based outcomes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Max’s work is the way it has stretched their own emotional capacity. Therapy, they believe, is a kind of quiet rebellion—to feel grief, rage, joy, and peace fully, without being overwhelmed or numbed into inaction. Their clients’ courage often reflects and amplifies their own, creating a mutual journey of emotional expansion.
When challenges arise in therapy, Max brings mindfulness to their own reactions, ensuring they don’t project unresolved baggage onto their clients. They value the perspectives of trusted colleagues, seeking feedback to expand their lens, but ultimately believe in working collaboratively with clients—seeing therapeutic challenges as not only normal, but often rich with potential for growth.
And in true Max fashion, they love sharing little nuggets of wisdom. For instance:
“Even just looking at pictures of nature or listening to recorded bird sounds can calm the nervous system. But if you can—go outside barefoot and experience it for real. Your whole body will thank you.
Max’s work continues to evolve, but one thing remains consistent: a commitment to staying curious, being real, and helping others connect with the parts of themselves they may have forgotten or silenced. Through IFS and the healing power of relationship, Max is reshaping what it means to be a therapist—one grounded, vulnerable step at a time.