Maxine Brown-Sartor , LPC

Maxine Brown-Sartor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who brings a practical, empathetic approach to working with teens and adults. She has worked in school settings as a school counselor and supported families in the community as a behavioral specialist, offering behavior modification strategies and in-home individual and group therapy. She has helped parents connect with community supports such as Family Connections and Developmental Pediatrics to pursue special education services, and she has worked directly with children on social skills, independent living skills, and building self-esteem.

As a parent of a child with special needs, she draws on personal insight to better understand the day-to-day frustrations families may face. Her work is client-centered - she listens carefully and helps clients discover their own solutions while teaching practical techniques to shift negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive patterns. She often uses positive self-talk, mindfulness practices, and journaling, demonstrating and modeling these tools so clients can put them into practice.

Maxine strives to create a nonjudgmental, understanding environment and assesses for any self-harm behaviors when appropriate. She recognizes that sometimes people primarily need to be heard and to know it is acceptable to struggle, especially during times of widespread stress and life change.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Client-centered therapy emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens closely and supports clients in discovering their own solutions. This approach can be especially useful for building self-esteem, improving relationships, and navigating life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning by teaching concrete skills and practical strategies.

Mindfulness therapy teaches present-focused awareness and simple practices to reduce rumination and increase emotional regulation. These techniques can help with stress management, sleep difficulties, and coping with intense emotions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Maxine works with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences and tailors the blend of methods to what fits each person best.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, access support from different locations, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are not possible.