Maddie Lalevee
Clinical Intern
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Hi, I’m Maddie. I help people transform
challenges into breakthroughs.
Are you ready to regain control? Have you thought about how liberating life could be without the weight of anxiety holding you back?
Imagine breaking free from self-defeating habits. With counseling, you can tap into your inner wisdom to explore your core values and make choices that align with them.
As your counselor, I offer compassion and encouragement, adapting my approach to your personal goals and style. I believe there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Some clients thrive with more nurturing support, while others seek accountability. I listen closely to understand what balance works best for you. I will cheer you on, celebrating small wins while keeping you focused on your bigger vision. In each session, we’ll dive into what motivates you and pinpoint tangible steps you can take to move forward. I’ll be your grounded, adaptable guide, customizing my collaborative style to empower you along your unique path.
My collaborative method evolved from extensive work with college students confronting conduct issues. To me, counseling isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, a privilege to witness your “aha” moments and steps forward in growth.
Picture our sessions as a calming heart-to-heart over a cup of your favorite tea. Together, we’ll navigate life’s obstacles, creating a bond built on trust, empathy, and understanding. This isn’t a one-sided lecture; it’s a partnership where your unique experiences and perspectives are the guiding force. By genuinely listening to you, we’ll discover tailored solutions that resonate with your needs.
Life’s challenges are inevitable. It’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to face them alone. I offer compassionate guidance and empower you to drive positive changes. Together, we can transform difficulties into opportunities for growth.
Change demands courage. As someone who has undergone significant transitions, I comprehend the grit required to alter deep-seated patterns. But remember, you’re not alone. Together, we’ll ignite your inherent resilience, fueling your journey of growth every step of the way.
Every story is different. Listening closely, I respect and honor the uniqueness of your narrative, collaborating with you to develop a tailored approach that resonates with your aspirations and comfort levels.
If you seek a collaborative guide to help write your next chapter, reach out. I’m just an email or click away. A single conversation can spark insight and positive changes aligned with your values. Together, we’ll navigate obstacles and discover solutions designed specifically for you. I’m here for you.
On Being a Counselor
I cultivate an open, trusting environment where you can share freely without fear of criticism. I’ll be fully present in each session, listening deeply as we unpack your story and challenges. I balance gentle encouragement with pushing you outside your comfort zone so that you can build emotional awareness and sustainable change.
I aim to create a judgment-free space where you feel safe opening up. I won’t lecture you with generic advice. Instead, we’ll have meaningful exchanges, getting to the heart of obstacles to find solutions tailored to you. I’ll thoughtfully draw out your perspectives and values, helping you reconnect with your core self, and understand your inner thoughts and desires.
Counseling demands courage, and I can vouch for it, having navigated tough transitions myself. But you won’t be alone. Together, we’ll unearth your inner wisdom and resilience.
I look forward to becoming your trusted guide on this journey of growth.
Practitioner Background
At 20, an injury abruptly ended my dance career, leaving me feeling lost. Yet, seeking help led me toward transformation. It inspired me to become a counselor, aiming to make mental health support accessible for all.
Today, I’m passionate about helping others navigate through their life transitions. I understand the courage it takes to ask for help, and my goal is to make that step less daunting for you.
Our sessions are designed to feel like relaxed conversations. But unlike a regular chat, the focus here is entirely on you. I’m here to listen to you with empathy and attentiveness, helping you unravel your experiences at your pace without forcing any unsolicited advice.
With a particular focus on addictive behaviors, anxiety, and depression, I recognize how these issues are often symptoms of broader life challenges. We’ll collaborate to understand your journey and rewrite your narrative to encourage healing and growth.
Drawing from my experience working with diverse clients, I can tailor my approach to meet your needs. Together, we will delve deep into your perspectives, emotions, strengths, and values, all in a non-judgmental space where you can comfortably express yourself.
My clients have taught me so much about courage and resilience in facing life’s challenges. If you’re navigating significant life changes such as career shifts, relationship difficulties, or grief and looking for a genuinely understanding therapist, I’d be delighted to connect. I offer compassionate support rooted in my experiences of self-discovery and personal growth.
We will move beyond surface-level understanding to explore your in-depth experiences in our sessions. I aim to create a safe, collaborative space for self-awareness and discovery. Rather than generic advice, we’ll seek solutions that resonate with your unique situation and experiences.
If you’re seeking a therapist who truly understands your journey, I’m here—ready and honored—to guide your path to personal growth and self-awareness.
More About Madeline
Key Philosophical Beliefs
- Healing takes courage, compassion, and self-reflection. With time and care, growth is always within reach.
- Voicing your deepest feelings requires strength. Counseling offers a judgment-free space where you can share openly.
- Recognizing your unique strengths allows you to harness your inner wisdom and move forward.
- Nurturing relationships that genuinely nourish you starts with understanding your needs.
- Our lived experiences shape us profoundly. Honoring the power of your story fosters insight.
- Counseling helps transform obstacles into opportunities for positive change.
- Progress builds gradually through small steps. Every forward motion matters.
- You can thoughtfully rewrite your next chapter by embracing where you’ve been.
Counseling Training
- Educational Specialist (Ed S) candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2024)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Double Major), North Carolina State University
- Conflict Resolution Training
- Mediation Training
- Crisis Intervention
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Training
- Psychodynamic Therapy Training
- Relational Therapy Training
- Family Therapy Training
- Behavioral Therapy Training
- Reality Therapy Training
- Adlerian Therapy Training
Specializations and Experience
- Conflict Resolution for Couples
- Young and Emerging Adults
- Anxiety management and recovery
- Alcohol Moderation Counseling
- Smoking and tobacco cessation
- Harm Reduction for addictive behaviors
- Mood Disorder Management
Maddie as a Person
Moving from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Chicago for graduate studies was a defining moment in my life. From pursuing classical ballet at a boarding school to experiencing new cities, my journey has shaped my personal and professional growth.
My approach to life and therapy mirrors the balance and endurance I find in yoga and half-marathon running. Overcoming personal challenges—like preparing for a half-marathon—requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience. And I’ll be there, offering steady encouragement every step of the way.
During weekends, I engage with the rhythm of the city. From serving at a local brunch hotspot to exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, I seek human connections and stories.
My journey has equipped me with the tools to guide others with compassion and understanding. If my story resonates with your own, I invite you to connect. I’d be honored to accompany you on your personal growth and self-discovery journey.
