Alison Madden

Hi! Glad you’re here. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I enjoy working with kids, adults, couples and families. I earned my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2005, and completed a clinical internship in UCSD’s Department of Family Medicine. There I collaborated with physicians in the care of patients and their family members. To this day, I follow a “bio-psycho-social” systems approach- looking at a client’s physical health (bio), emotional health (psycho), and current relationships and support systems (social).

Because relationships can be both a source of worry - and also our greatest asset- a genuine connection (with family, friends, coworkers, etc) truly fosters improved emotional health. Considering our current stressors from a “systems perspective” allows us to cultivate a deeper understanding of how our family interactions and social connections affect our daily lives. We can enrich those connections, develop healthier boundaries, and connect meaningfully with people in our lives in a way that does not leave us feeling as drained or anxious.

While it is certainly essential to address current challenges or problems, it is just as important to simultaneously identify strengths and assets already residing within. Looking at how to utilize coping skills, or learning new ones, helps bolster resiliency and brings new change. We work toward responding to adversity by changing course, healing, using new coping skills and then continuing forward.

The act of seeking help can often feel overwhelming for anyone; it helps to not do it alone. I do my best to offer guidance, support, and dedicated focus on developing an approach tailored to meet a client’s particular set of current needs.