Madeleine Melamed

Madeleine Melamed is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Art Therapist Provisional specialized in working with members of the adoption community including parents, birth parents, children, and adults. As a transracial adoptee herself, Madeleine understands the distinct personal experiences of adoptees. She strives to provide a safe space for parents, children, and adults to explore their feelings, foster healthy communication, and address any behavioral or emotional issues related to adoption. Madeleine utilizes a combination of talk and; art therapy to explore each client’s adoption story with compassion, understanding, and empathy. In this process, the client is the expert, and the role of the therapist is to support the client. As an adoption competent therapist, Madeleine recognizes the unique challenges and experiences faced by adoptive families and individuals. Madeleine helps people navigate the complexities of attachment, abandonment, identity, and grief that can arise in the adoption process. By utilizing trauma-informed practices and culturally sensitive approaches, Madeleine seeks to empower families to build strong, resilient lifelong relationships and promote healing. Additionally, Madeleine offers Art Therapy to people seeking a non-verbal and accessible way to express feelings regarding current life events that could be difficult to articulate using words. Clients can utilize Art Therapy from the comfort of their home using materials readily available to them. Art Therapy can be beneficial to people dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma as it fosters self-awareness, emotional release, and personal growth. Madeleine earned her Masters in Counseling and Art Therapy from Antioch University as well as a Bachelor's in Art Education at Academy of Art University. Madeleine has previously volunteered at Mary's Place providing art therapy to families in shelters. Madeleine also worked in community mental health at Navos in their Child Youth and Family department. Throughout her work, Madeleine has gained experience working with diverse populations with various mental health diagnoses. Madeleine has completed extensive adoption competent training through the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative. Madeleine is passionate about the adoption population dedicating her education and career to helping other adoptees, learning, training, and providing quality care for all adoptees. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog, knitting/crocheting, traveling, skiing, and spending time with family/friends.