Madeline Geerken

AMFT 162890 | Supervised by Mailyn Avila, LCSW 121052

Verified licensed therapist by Psychology Today

Growing up, navigating relationships, and understanding who you are can come with challenges at every stage of life. Children and teens may struggle with anxiety, big emotions, self-esteem, identity, or changes within their family, while adults and couples may find themselves navigating depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, attachment patterns, or major life transitions. Sometimes, having a supportive space to better understand these experiences can make it easier to move forward.

I believe therapy should be a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based, and I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ concerns, identity, anger, self-esteem, relationship challenges, attachment, and developmental concerns. I have a particular passion for supporting children and teens, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and families as they navigate emotional, relational, and developmental challenges.

Using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Play Therapy, I tailor therapy to each client’s individual needs, developmental stage, cultural background, and goals. My goal is to help you better understand yourself and your relationships, recognize the strengths you already have, and develop healthier ways of coping and connecting with the people in your life.

My Specialties

Individual Therapy

Play Therapy

Child & Teen Therapy

Couple Therapy

ASD / ADHD / AuDHD

Family Therapy

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

Anger Management

My Path as a Therapist

My path as a therapist was shaped by my own experience with therapy and seeing how meaningful it can be to have a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. That experience inspired me to help others feel less alone during difficult periods of their lives and recognize their own capacity for growth and change. Over time, my work with children, teens, adults, and families has strengthened my belief that therapy is most effective when clients feel genuinely connected, respected, and involved in the process.

Much of my clinical experience has focused on working with children and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, identity, self-esteem, developmental concerns, and family challenges. My years of experience working closely with children and families have also given me a strong understanding of child development, parenting styles, and family dynamics. I believe that when working with younger clients, it is important to understand not only the child, but also the relationships, environment, and family system surrounding them.

My approach to therapy is safe, nonjudgmental, collaborative, and compassionate. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Play Therapy based on each client's age, needs, cultural background, and goals. I take a strengths-based approach, helping clients recognize the strengths and resources they already have while developing new ways of understanding and navigating their emotions, relationships, and experiences.

I am especially passionate about supporting children and teens, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. My personal and professional experiences have given me an appreciation for the many different ways families can look and function, as well as how culture, identity, family expectations, and relationships can shape our experiences. My goal is to provide culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy where clients can be themselves, better understand who they are, strengthen their relationships, and feel empowered to move forward.

Top Issues I Work With:

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression

  • Relationships and Interpersonal Difficulties

  • Attachmnent

  • Neurodiversity & ADHD

  • Life Transition

  • Children & Teen Concerns

  • Loss & Grief

  • Anger Management / Emotional Regulation

  • Family Dynamic / Conflitcs

  • Couple and relaionship issues

  • Parenting / Parent-Child Relationship

  • Family Transition

  • LGBTQ+ support

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Therapy Style:

  • Warm

  • Compassionate

  • Non-judgemental

  • Safe

  • Collaborative

  • Culturally sensitive and affirmed

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Trainings & Approaches

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-informd Therapy

  • Emotional Focused Therapy

  • Psychodynamic

  • Family Systems

  • Play Therapy

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Education & Credentials

  • Master's in Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology

  • Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 162890

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Availability:

Accepting virtual clients

Accpeting in person clients in Tustin

virtual therapy that offers a flexible appointment time in California

Fee:

$130 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families

Sliding scales may be available

virtual therapy that offers an affordable fee in California

Insurance:

Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | Blue Shield

Superbill for All PPO

virtual therapy that is covered by insurance in California

Get Started with Madeline

Schedule a free consultation to ask questions and explore your goals!

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