Our Team
Madison Montalbano, LMSW
Associate Clinician
Are you in the midst of a life transition? Do you have trouble putting words to your feelings or feel like it’s hard to take up space? Are you navigating romantic relationships and having difficulty setting personal boundaries? I work with people who are eager to learn more about themselves but struggle to voice their needs and have learned to keep themselves safe and connected by over-giving. Together we will work towards recognizing internalized messages from families and culture at large in order to help you locate your authentic voice and quiet the noise from outside. Through our work together, people find they feel less burdened and isolated. We reduce the power of shame by being witnessed in a compassionate and non-judgmental space.
As a queer affirming and culturally sensitive therapist I aim to build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered to understand who you are and what you really want. I practice using a psychodynamic framework to guide people in exploring how their pasts are alive in the present. I incorporate somatic techniques to increase the mind-body connection. We work on identifying and practicing coping skills tailored to your needs that can be incorporated into your daily life.
I am here to listen, to help make connections, and to increase your curiosity towards yourself. Feel free to reach out for a complimentary phone consultation to see if we can create the space in therapy you’re looking for!
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Life transitions
LGBTQIA+ related stress
Identity work
Relationship issues
Women’s issues
What might a session with you look like?
I bring my authentic self into session using humor and empathy to create a space where my clients feel safe to be vulnerable. I’m engaged during the session typically asking open-ended questions and reflecting back any thought or behavioral patterns I’m noticing. I often provide psychoeducation relevant to what we’re working on and suggest coping skills that could be beneficial.
What does being a queer affirmative therapist mean to you?
I embrace and validate the unique and dynamic identities of my clients and the ways they express themselves. This could be in relation to cultural identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or living in any way that could be considered a detour from the mainstream. In our work together, I strive for my clients to experience a sense of belonging and shared understanding in the therapy process.