Q & A with Madeline Allen
We are delighted to welcome Madeline to our team of counselors at Redeemer. Madeline will be seeing clients at the Downtown Orlando office. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with her, please contact our office at 407-405-7677.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
I’m originally from Dallas Fort Worth, TX. I lived in Memphis, TN for three years after college working for a college ministry, and moved to Orlando, FL three years ago to pursue my Masters in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. I got married last year right after graduation and just celebrated our first anniversary this past May! I’m introverted but can come across as an extrovert. I’ve been described as passionate, intense, but also goofy and warm!
CATS OR DOGS?
Dogs for sure! I have two puppers at home that are wonderful.
CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate! I especially love sea salt caramel chocolate, or spicy chocolate.
MORNING OR EVENING?
Definitely a night owl. Mornings can be a struggle but I’m learning to appreciate quiet mornings.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU BECAME A COUNSELOR?
I worked on staff with Campus Outreach for three years in Memphis, TN. I was the regional financial coordinator, but also got to plan events, and meet with staff and students. I also was part of a ministry that worked to serve forgeign exchange students from all over the world attending the University of Memphis. I absolutely loved getting to know these students and helping them get acclimated and connected in the States!
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
Like I mentioned earlier, I love finding food or coffee spots in any new city I’m in! I love the environment and experience these shops offer. I also love exploring the outdoors, movie nights with family and friends, good Mexican food, painting with watercolor, horseback riding (on rare occasions), deep conversations with friends and chilling on the couch with loved ones!
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AS A COUNSELOR?
I am most passionate about walking with people as they become “alive” again and experience who they were created to be and what they are created for. Trauma can feel like death in so many ways, and can make you feel alone, hopeless and stuck. One of the most important things for me as a counselor is to offer the hope of something better! It's also very important to me to provide a steady, safe and compassionate place for this exploration and transformation.
I love working with all kinds of people from different walks of life. Given my experiences as a hispanic woman and a former ministry staff, I am especially passionate about anyone in ministry or struggling with spirituality, and those experiencing minority stress and trauma. I also have a special heart for those struggling with anxiety, as that is something I have personally wrestled with.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING COUNSELING?
I want to first say that counseling takes great courage and commitment to start! If you are considering counseling or are in the process of seeking counseling, then you have taken an enormous step that deserves recognition! When I first started counseling, I remember feeling that my struggles and pain were not “bad enough” to deserve counseling, which left me feeling alone and stuck for so long. When I decided to go to counseling, I saw that counseling was just as much for me as it is for someone else, and that it is helpful for a variety of different struggles. I didn’t have to prove my pain was worthy of help - the fact that I was experiencing it was qualifying enough for me to seek and receive help. I would say to someone struggling with similar thoughts, that you qualify for counseling simply because you are a human being who is asking for help!
Secondly, I would say finding the right counselor is similar to dating. Counseling is a partnership in many ways that requires trust, honesty and safety. It may take time to find the right fit of someone you feel comfortable with and trust, and it may take some time before you feel comfortable with a counselor. But don’t give up! It is worth the search to find someone who you can partner with to bring freedom and transformation in your life.
