Madelyn Smith, LCSWA

At some point, you may have been told you were “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “too this or too that.” That came at a cost. You learned to keep the peace, hold it together for everyone else, and make sure others were okay—often abandoning yourself in the process. Now, saying no, expressing anger, or asking for more than what’s given can feel unsafe, tangled with guilt and shame. Maybe you’ve been called “mature for your age,” strong, or self-aware, yet inside you feel disconnected and lonely. These parts of you are not flaws, but protective adaptations that once helped you survive trauma, family dynamics, and systems that did not accept or honor who you are.

You long for safety within yourself and the ability to show up with ease. You want to trust your needs, set boundaries without the heaviness, and slow down with real permission to simply exist. A future is possible where you move through life with a lighter heart, a more connected sense of self, and the recognition that you belong—without apology—in relationships that are steady and real.

As a therapist, I work from the foundational belief that there is nothing wrong with you. The patterns you carry are powerful survival strategies that once kept you safe. Together, we will honor those parts and allow them to put their guard down so that you can live a life aligned with who you are, not just what you’ve had to endure. My style is warm, humble, relational, and non-pathologizing. Humor, curiosity, and compassion are at the heart of our work, along with experiential approaches such as Coherence Therapy, Parts Work, and Brainspotting.

I often work with adults who have been the “strong one,” the caretaker, or the glue in their families and communities, and who now feel guilty when they rest or take up space. Many of my clients are neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have been told they are “too much.” Others are adult children of chaotic or emotionally immature caregivers, helping professionals, or cycle-breakers who are ready for something different. If you see yourself here, I want you to know that you are not broken. Your system is wise, and together we can help it finally rest.

I am neurodivergent, a cisgender woman (she/her), a mother to both humans and dogs, a reality-TV enthusiast (I’d like to think I’m an expert), and a bluegrass music lover. I know deeply what it is like to be both “too much” and “not enough” at the same time, and I invite you to bring all of your “too muchness” into the room with me, where it is safe and honored.

Therapy with me is grounded, collaborative, and paced with your nervous system in mind. We’ll slow down, listen closely to what your body already knows, and create space for humor and humanity along the way. You set the goals; I bring the tools, curiosity, and support to help you move toward the life you want. If you’re craving ease, steadiness, and self-trust, I’d love to connect with you.