Mr Max Rutherford
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
Max Rutherford
Macleod, VIC 3085
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Everybody needs someone to talk to and in the context of therapy the aim is to be able to talk as freely as possible and then to learn from whatever comes up. We do this in order to gain an understanding of who we are in the context of the worlds in which we live. Ordinarily we are so busy that we barely have time to think, and so the aim of therapy is to create a space to work through what's important to us in life.
In addition to a willingness to listen, I hope to bring a fresh perspective to what is being discussed. At times I may offer observations, feedback or practical strategies that can help us look at things differently. The aim is to create some space around familiar ways of thinking and responding, so that other possibilities can begin to emerge.
Background
Over more than thirty years I have worked in hospital, pain-management, cancer, relationship and private-practice settings. This has given me a particular interest in how people adapt when life changes unexpectedly - through illness, relationship difficulties, loss, aging or other major transitions.
Services
Quality Provision
As a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists I am bound by that organisations code of conduct. I receive regular clinical supervision in addition to on-going personal and professional development.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- B Sc (Hons) Psychology (London University) - 1996
- Post Grad Dip Counselling Psych (City Uni, London) - 2000
- MA Couple & Family Therapy (UNSW) - 2003
Modalities
ACT - Buddhist Psychotherapy - Existential - Mindfulness
Therapy Approach
My approach is respectful, non pathologizing, strength based, individualised, collaborative and feedback oriented.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Psychologists Inc
- British Psychological Society
Practice Locations
Macleod Wellness Centre
2/26 Aberdeen Road
Macleod VIC 3085
Easy access to parking and public transport
Appointments
By arrangement
Fees & Insurance
Patients referred by a GP may claim a Medicare Rebate for a percentage of the fee. Patients with private health insurance may also be able to obtain a refund.
Payment Options
Sessions may be partially covered by Medicare and/or Private Insurance
Contact Max
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Max Rutherford
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From an early age I have been interested in science, the arts, literature, philosophy and the nature of reality. My interest in psychotherapy grew naturally from these earlier preoccupations.
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The philosophical approaches that have most influenced me are: The Conversational Model of Russell Meares; Existential Psychotherapy (Irvin Yalom, Robert Miller), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Adam Phillips, Christopher Bollas, Neville Symington), Neuro-Psychoanalysis (Mark Solms).
My work is also grounded in over thirty years worth of practicing and teaching mindfulness meditation. -
I have a particular interest in how people accommodate to the challenge of chronic illness.
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I try to listen to, and understand, as best I can, whatever the patient brings ... and I work from there.
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Progress can mean different things. Sometimes people feel better simply from having been able to talk openly about something they have carried alone. At other times change is slower. I think it is important that therapist and client regularly ask whether the work is helping and, if not, whether something needs to change in the way we are working.
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I hope so but it's not for me to say
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In my role as a therapist I get to know people in a very profound way and it's a privilege to learn what's in their hearts and minds. I have learned more about therapy and about life from my patients than from any other source and what's wonderful about this work is that every patient teaches me something valuable and new.
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I don't have much hair but metaphorically I do!
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Social isolation and the loss of community
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I have been influenced by so many people and experiences that it's hard to come up with particular examples without skewing the impression they might leave.