Madeline Burnham, MSW
Individual Therapist | Adults
Specialties:
Depression
Life Transtions
Stress Management
Trauma
OCD
Self Esteem
Relationships
Post Partum
Anxiety
Maybe you’ve been carrying painful experiences for a long time, feeling stuck in patterns of negative self-talk, or trying to navigate a life transition that has left you wondering who you are now. You may know that something needs to change without knowing exactly where to begin. I believe therapy can be the place where you finally slow down, make sense of what you’ve been feeling, and begin treating yourself with greater understanding and compassion.
I work with adults experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional pain, difficult transitions, and struggles with self-worth. Together, we can explore what is beneath the surface—not only the symptoms you’re experiencing, but also the past experiences, beliefs, and patterns that may be keeping you from feeling fully connected to yourself.
My style is gentle, supportive, and collaborative. I want therapy to feel like a safe and honest space where you can talk about the difficult things without fear of judgment. I recognize how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help, especially if you aren’t sure how to explain what is happening or where to begin. You don’t need to arrive with the perfect words or a clear plan. We can start exactly where you are.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy—you just need a safe place to begin.
I use person-centered, trauma-informed, and cognitive behavioral approaches, along with skills drawn from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Depending on what you need, our work may involve processing painful experiences, understanding the different parts of yourself, challenging harmful beliefs, building practical coping skills, or considering new perspectives. My goal is not to tell you who you should be, but to help you feel more connected to yourself and more confident in your ability to move through life’s challenges.
I believe meaningful self-care goes far beyond occasional treats or temporary escapes. It includes understanding your needs, caring for your mental health, setting boundaries, asking for support, and making choices that create greater peace in your life. Therapy is an investment in that process—and sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply start somewhere.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington and am currently completing my Master of Social Work. Through George Mason University’s Community-Academic Partnerships in Behavioral Health Program, I am receiving specialized training in trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I also bring years of experience supporting vulnerable populations in community-based settings. My commitment to this work is deeply personal, and I have tremendous respect for the courage and resilience it takes to heal.
On a personal note…
Outside of the therapy room, I’m an old soul, a nature lover, and an enthusiastic—but still very much amateur—gardener. I love the quiet satisfaction of growing something, caring for it, and watching it develop over time. In many ways, it reminds me of the therapeutic process: growth rarely happens all at once, and sometimes the most meaningful progress is taking place before we can clearly see it.
Animals are also a huge part of my life. My home includes dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, and bunnies, so there is almost always someone who needs to be fed, let outside, cuddled, or gently redirected away from trouble. Caring for them keeps me grounded, brings a lot of laughter into my life, and helps me stay connected to the present moment. When I need to reset, one of my favorite forms of self-care is taking a walk with my dogs. Their steady companionship can bring comfort and joy even on the hardest days.
One of the ideas I return to often is that moving forward does not have to look the same in every season. Sometimes progress is bold and visible; other times, it means slowing down, asking for help, or taking one small step. Whatever pace you are moving at, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Client Testimonials
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