Madelline Zaiter
I’m a therapist with a master’s degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. My experience includes working in correctional settings, a psychiatric emergency department, and outpatient therapy. I’ve worked with children as young as three and with adults, and I also have experience providing therapy virtually. I strive to create a space where you can speak openly, feel heard, and work through life’s challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
Whatever brings you here matters.
First session
In our first session, I want you to feel comfortable and have space to share what brought you to therapy. I know that making the appointment may have taken a lot, so we can start wherever you feel ready. I aim for our time together to feel like a conversation rather than a cold, clinical interview. I’ll listen, ask questions, and offer feedback as we talk. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we can get to know each other and begin figuring out what you need.
Strengths
I bring patience, understanding, and a nonjudgmental approach to our work together. I know that opening up can be difficult, especially when you’re carrying something that feels embarrassing or painful. I want you to feel comfortable talking about what’s on your mind. I also recognize that therapy looks different for everyone. Some people need a space to be heard, while others prefer a more interactive conversation. I adapt my approach to your needs and work with you without rushing the process. The challenges you’re facing didn’t happen overnight, and meaningful change takes time.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who needs a space to talk, feel heard, and make sense of what they’re going through. What brings you to therapy might seem small to someone else, or it might feel overwhelming. Either way, it matters because it matters to you. Life can be complicated, and you don’t have to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. We can share this space and explore together why something is affecting you and what you need to move forward.
Origin story
My interest in becoming a therapist began with wanting to understand why people hurt one another and how people can move forward after painful experiences. That curiosity led me to study forensic mental health counseling and work with people in correctional settings. I wanted to help people understand their choices and make changes, while also supporting those who have been hurt as they find their strength and move forward.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be shaped by your needs, your goals, and what feels most helpful to you. I believe it’s important to understand your perspective before offering feedback or exploring a different way of looking at a situation. Our sessions are a conversation: I’ll listen, share what I notice, and welcome your thoughts about whether it fits your experience. As we work together, I’ll help you notice patterns and explore how they may be affecting where you are and where you want to go. You might begin to recognize those patterns yourself, respond differently in certain situations, or feel more able to talk about things that once felt difficult. Progress in therapy isn’t always a straight line, and that’s okay. We’re looking for progress, not perfection. We’ll check in along the way about what’s working, what isn’t, and whether we need to adjust our approach. Your feedback matters, and you have a voice in how we move forward together.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you explore how your thoughts, feelings, and experiences may be connected. We’ll take time to understand your perspective and notice patterns that may be contributing to what you’re going through. Together, we can explore different ways of looking at a situation and find practical strategies that feel useful in your daily life. I’ll share what I notice, welcome your feedback, and work with you at a pace that feels right for you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help you explore what matters most to you and how you want to move forward, even when life feels uncertain or difficult. Together, we can make space for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while identifying choices that align with your values and goals. This might include exploring what you need in your relationships, work, or daily life and taking meaningful steps toward the life you want.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT-informed skills to help you understand and manage difficult emotions, navigate relationships, and communicate your needs. We might explore ways to set boundaries, respond to stressful situations, or practice a conversation that feels hard to have. My goal is to help you feel supported as you build skills that work for you—not to expect you to handle everything perfectly.
Location
Virtual sessions