It's Complicated

Max Isakov, Ph.D.

(he/him)

Counsellor

Available for new clients

An English, French and Russian speaking psychotherapist in Porto. My work is to support people in their life challenges. I work with depression, anxiety, traumas, age crisis, emigration, sexuality.

I specialise in:

At a glance
Porto, PortugalAvailable online only
Last active
Note from MaxHello, I am open for long term and short term therapy with adult people and teenagers.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours

About me

I hold a PhD in Psychology and am a certified Gestalt therapist with over 15 years of professional experience. I specialize in working with trauma, sexuality, life transitions, and personal crises. I also have extensive experience supporting immigrants and expatriates as they navigate the challenges of adaptation, identity, and belonging.

Having been born in Algeria and lived in Russia, Belgium, Israel, Turkey, and Portugal, I have a deep understanding of multicultural experiences and the complexities of living between cultures. I am married and have two children.

Alongside my therapeutic work, I am passionate about foreign languages and music, particularly singing.

In my practice, I work with both adolescents and adults. Areas I commonly support clients with include:

  • Life transitions and existential crises
  • Trauma and emotional healing
  • Relationships and intimacy
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Meaning, purpose, and self-discovery
  • Parent-child relationships
  • Immigration and cross-cultural adaptation
  • Sexuality and sexual orientation
  • Creativity and personal growth

My approach is grounded in respect, curiosity, and genuine human connection, providing a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their experiences and create meaningful change.

I speak:

EnglishFrenchRussian

Location:

Porto, Portugal

Approach

Treatment Approaches
Couples therapySupport for couples working through problems and who want to gain insight into the relational dynamics that contribute to the problem.
Gestalt therapyRecommended for those who want to focus on the present and take responsibility for their feelings and actions to promote personal growth.
Psychotherapy Recommended for those who want to work through emotional or mental health challenges by talking with a trained psychotherapist.

My main approach is gestalt therapy but I am also very interested in psychoanalysis (I followed my personal analysis for 9 years which helps me to have a larger perspective).

Experience

17 years in practice

2008 - 2020 till now: clinical practice (offline) 2020 - now: clinical practice online

Education

2004 - Social Psychology in Moscow State University of Psychology & Education 2008 - PhD in Russian University for Humanities 2012 - Master in Psychology Belgium 2014 - Gestalt Therapist in Moscow Gestalt Institute 2015 - Specialization in Crisis and Trauma, Moscow Gestalt Institute 2015 - Specialization in sexotherapy, École de sexothérapie à orientation gestaltiste, Paris

Services

Family Session

€100 1 hr Online

Individual Session

€90 50 min Online

Couples Session

€100 1 hr Online

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Porto, PortugalAvailable online only
Last active
Note from MaxHello, I am open for long term and short term therapy with adult people and teenagers.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours
Next available: Aug 19