Madison Weiss (She/They)

As an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am aware of the issues that face us as a marginalized population. My perspective comes not only from coursework but from lived experience. In addition, I have worked with many in the community to gain a better understanding of their sexuality and/or gender, and helped them face not only homophobia or transphobia encountered outside of themself in the world, but awakened them to their own internalized struggles. Coming out issues and more.

When considering your gender identity, you may realize that all of us have been socialized to fall into a cookie cutter example of the sex we were born with at birth. The sex written on our birth certificate, based on our sexual organs, we have when we are born. This often does not reflect one’s feelings about their own gender identity. In therapy, I am here to help you sort out your feelings support you and validate and support you on this journey.

After spending 15 years working in special education with those with learning disabilities; I’ve worked with both professionals and clients who “get by” with ADHD whether diagnosed or not. I can help you get assessed. I can also assist you in learning new ways of being in the world, that will help you be more successful at accomplishing the things you wish to accomplish in this life. I specialize in using creative modalities, including therapeutic art, writing , CBT skills and processes.

Instead of adhering to a single therapeutic model, I tend to draw upon different techniques and strategies deemed most effective for a particular client's situation, at a particular time in our process. Our work is collaborative and an example of my integrative approaches include: using CBT strategies alongside Motivational Interviewing and Attachment-Based psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy.

I have enjoyed working with clients using psychodynamic therapy for the past 3 years. I have also had my own for over 20 years. I like working this way and find it useful as a way to collaborate with clients as it encourages self-reflection and exploration of patterns in thoughts, feelings, and relationships to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. It is foundational in any integrative work I offer.

Having been an artist all my life, discovering how art has the power to heal and allow us access to deeper parts of ourselves on our journey. Expressive Arts Therapy emphasizes artistic experience as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression, for the integration of physical, mental, emotional and social functioning. I studied Art Therapy in Canada, and discovered its usefulness when working with clients. I am a Certified Therapeutic Arts Specialist.