Maxine Cuva, LCMHC-A
Therapy for Athletes, High Achievers, Trauma Recovery, & Mind-Body Healing
Do you ever feel like something- whether an experience, chronic stress, or high performance pressure- is keeping you from feeling like yourself? Maybe you’re exhausted from holding everything together, managing anxiety, or pushing through burnout. Perhaps you’re an athlete, high achiever, or team player who knows how to perform when the pressure is on, but you’re realizing your mental and emotional health needs that same level of dedication and care. Wherever you are on your journey, you don’t have to figure it out alone!
I believe therapy is not about "fixing" you. It’s about creating an energetic, warm, and zero-judgment space where you can slow down, heal what’s hurting, and reconnect with who you truly are. I bring an extroverted, bubbly, and down-to-earth vibe to the therapy room. You won't find a silent therapist who just sits back and nods along; you'll get an active, encouraging partner who is here to cheer you on, share a laugh, and challenge you when you’re ready to grow.
In our work together, science and soul go hand-in-hand. I meet my clients with a "come as you are" approach. All life experiences, background stories, and unique quirks are welcome here! We aren't just here to spill the tea; we're here to do the transformative work that helps you break through stuck patterns, regulate your nervous system, and step into authentic confidence. We’ll focus on how your mind and body talk to each other, helping you process heavy emotions while building tools you can actually use in everyday life.
As my dad always reminded me, "90% of success is just showing up." You don't have to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. All you need to do is be willing to show up for yourself. If you're ready to embrace change, try something new, and move forward with clarity and humor, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
My Experience
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida and my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Charleston Southern University. My clinical background includes supporting adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, performance pressure, and relational challenges in outpatient settings.
Modalities & Specialized Approach:
EMDR (Basic Trained): Processing trauma, panic, and stuck emotional memories.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Exploring internal parts, self-compassion, and complex emotional states.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) & Somatic Interventions: Regulating the nervous system through mind-body connection and physical awareness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: Developing practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and thought reframing.
I am especially passionate about trauma-informed care, athletic performance psychology, and holistic wellness. I take pride in helping athletes, high achievers, and young adults translate their natural drive into self-compassion, mental clarity, and long-term emotional resilience.
When I’m not in therapist mode, I’m...
If I’m not traveling, I’m probably doing something active or frolicking in nature! I love running, yoga, swimming at the beach, surfing, hiking, and finding new ways to take care of my mind and body. You can also find me at any live concert or movie premiere, as I have a deep appreciation for creativity and the arts. As a lifelong athlete, I enjoy playing sports and being part of the community and energy at any and every sporting event! My Italian-Irish culture instilled in me a love for cooking and a passion for finding the best food in any city. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling around the world, and being around dogs whenever I can. I believe the things we do outside of therapy- movement, connection, rest, play, creativity, and time in nature- are an important part of caring for ourselves and creating a meaningful life.