Maxwell J. Crouch
Welcome to my Counseling Portfolio. I am Maxwell James Crouch, a dedicated counseling graduate student committed to fostering growth, resilience, and well-being in the individuals I serve. This portfolio showcases my education, counseling philosophy, practical experience, and professional competencies.
About Me
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling at Concordia University Wisconsin. My career began as a special education teacher, later transitioning into general education, where I developed a passion for supporting students’ emotional and mental well-being. My counseling approach integrates Gestalt therapy, Adlerian theory, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), all rooted in empathy, collaboration, and goal-oriented growth.
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Preferred Setting & Client Population
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School-based counseling
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Summer work in teletherapy or inpatient mental health settings
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Long-term goal: private practice incorporating nature/adventure therapy
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Primary client population: Adolescents, especially high school students
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Personal note:
I am passionate about helping students feel seen, heard, and supported during one of the most pivotal stages of life. My goal is to create a safe, empowering space for them to explore identity, relationships, and future goals.
Educational Background
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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B.S., Exceptional Education (K-12), May 2021
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Concordia University Wisconsin
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M.S.Ed., School Counseling (in progress, expected Summer 2028)
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Counseling Philosophy & Approach
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Personal Counseling Theory:
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Gestalt Therapy - Present-moment focus, mind-body integration, somatic awareness.
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Adlerian Theory - Emphasis on belonging, significance, purpose, and encouragement.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Practical, skills-based interventions for emotional regulation and resilience.
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Core values:
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Collaboration with clients
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Respect for individual differences
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Strengths-based, empowering approach
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Inclusivity and cultural humility
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Competencies
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Interpersonal Communication - Building trust, reading emotional cues, adapting communication style.
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Flexibility & Adaptability - Adjusting counseling strategies to meet client needs.
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Congruence & Genuineness - Honesty and transparency to foster trust.
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Professional Boundaries - Balancing empathy with role clarity.
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Self-Awareness & Multicultural Competence – Recognizing privilege and learning from diverse perspectives.
Artifacts
Educational Platform Paper
07/29/2025
This paper outlines my preferred counseling setting, client population, and personal counseling theory, shaped by both my professional background and graduate studies in counseling. Drawing from my experience as a special and general education teacher, I envision beginning my counseling career in a school setting, working primarily with adolescents. I discuss how Gestalt, Adlerian, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches align with my worldview and intended clientele, as well as the active, collaborative role I expect to take in therapy. The paper also reflects on my motivation for entering the counseling profession, my faith-based perspective, the support systems that sustain me, and my growth thus far in the program.
Updated Educational Platform Paper
7/23/2026
This reflection examines how my professional identity has developed throughout the counseling program and how my experiences in Individual Counseling and Group Counseling have shaped my approach to school counseling. I discuss my evolving counseling philosophy, growing appreciation for Person-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, and the importance of building genuine relationships before applying techniques. I also reflect on increased confidence, my expanding career goals, the role of faith and support systems, and how these experiences have prepared me to begin practicum as a more self-aware, relationship-focused, and effective future school counselor.
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Adolescence: A Guide For Teens and Parents
07/25/2025
This fact sheet, Adolescence: A Guide for Teens & Parents, provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur between ages 10 and 19. It outlines key developments in each domain-such as puberty and brain growth, expanding thinking skills, and evolving identity-along with common challenges like risk-taking behaviors, academic pressures, mental health concerns, and relationship changes. Practical, research-based tips are included to help families promote healthy sleep, nutrition, emotional regulation, critical thinking, and positive communication. Designed to be accessible for both teens and parents, this resource encourages understanding, balanced boundaries, and shared strategies for navigating adolescence successfully.
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Handouts
The following handouts, posters, and brochures were all created by me throughout my graduate counseling program. These resources are designed to support students, parents, and teachers by providing psychoeducation and practical counseling tools. I plan to incorporate them into my future counseling practice, and they will also serve as helpful reference materials to refresh my own knowledge throughout my career.
Acute Stress Disorder Fact Sheet
An educational reference tool that summarizes the key features of Acute Stress Disorder for use with students, families, counselors, and other helping professionals.
Session Proposal Flyer
A promotional flyer created to introduce a six-week small counseling group for high school students experiencing parental divorce or separation, highlighting the group's purpose, benefits, and participation details.
Suicide Risk Factors Infographic
An educational poster summarizing suicide risk factors, protective factors, assessment strategies, and counselor responses to support crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Test-Taking Strategies Fact Sheet
An educational resource created to support students and families with evidence-informed test-taking strategies, healthy routines, and stress management techniques.
Mindfulness Therapy Fact Sheet
A mindfulness therapy handout that introduces core principles, practical applications, counselor prompts, and strategies for promoting emotional regulation and self-awareness.
The Triune Brain Model
An educational brochure explaining the Triune Brain Model and the fight-flight-freeze response to help students, families, and educators better understand the effects of trauma on the brain.
Multicultural Competencies Vision Board
A visual representation of my commitment to multicultural counseling, highlighting the values, goals, and daily practices that will guide my work with students, families, and colleagues.
Counseling in Fox Point Information Sheet
A community profile handout summarizing key demographic, cultural, and systemic factors to consider when counseling high school students in Fox Point, Wisconsin.
Professional Disclosure and Informed Consent
A professional disclosure and informed consent brochure introducing my counseling philosophy, role, ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, and commitment to building trusting relationships with students and families.
Reflections
VIA Character Strengths & Counselor Dispositions Reflection
08/01/2025
This reflection explores my VIA character strengths-Love, Curiosity, and Social Intelligence-and how they connect to Concordia University Wisconsin’s counseling dispositions. Through personal stories and feedback from my wife, I examine how these strengths were shaped by my upbringing, how they support my counseling goals, and the challenges they sometimes present. I also identify key growth areas, including perspective and self-regulation, and discuss strategies for strengthening them to become a more self-aware, adaptable, and effective school counselor.
Updated VIA Character Strengths & Counselor Dispositions Reflection
08/01/2026
​This reflection examines my updated VIA character strengths of Kindness, Curiosity, and Social Intelligence and how they connect to Concordia University Wisconsin's school counselor dispositions. By comparing my current results with my previous assessment, I reflect on how my counseling coursework, teaching experience, and personal growth have shaped these strengths and deepened my understanding of their role in counseling. I also discuss my continued growth in self-regulation and perseverance, while exploring how increased self-awareness will help me become a more ethical, adaptable, and effective school counselor.
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ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors Reflection
08/01/2026
This reflection explores five ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors that align with my philosophy of school counseling, including supporting the whole child, fostering belonging, helping students overcome barriers, teaching effective coping skills, and encouraging self-advocacy. I explain why each standard is meaningful to me, how it connects to my future role as a school counselor, and provide examples of how each could be implemented within a comprehensive school counseling program. I also identify five additional standards I hope to explore further as I continue developing into a more intentional, student-centered, and effective school counselor.
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