Madeline Nash, MA, NCC, LPC, LMHC

What led you to becoming a mental health clinician?

I came to Truman to complete the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program, and during undergrad I had a course where we had to complete mock interviews. At the end of mine, the professor told me I'd likely be hired as a teacher, but wouldn't make a good one and wouldn't be very happy. She recommended I look at school counseling instead.

I spoke to the head of Truman's School Counseling program then, and I remember her saying, "I don't care if Johnny can read, I care how Johnny feels when he can't read.” This really resonated with me, so I went into the Master of Arts in Counseling program, and here we are!

What does being a 'good therapist' mean to you? 

I had a supervisor once who said, "I don't understand why clients expect me to remember their shit." In my head I often think, "I'm a good therapist because I DO remember their shit.” 

In my therapy sessions, I strive to build deep trust and open honesty with my client, creating a space where we both can talk openly with one another. I want sessions to be a space where we both can share thoughts and observations openly and nonjudgmentally while maintaining our focus on you!

We will focus deeply on the personal work you bring to session. I am skilled at diving into a problem, and tenacious about working towards solutions. I often use humor to help foster connection and problem solving.

What’s your training and educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Art in Psychology, and my Master of Arts in Counseling, both from Truman State University. I currently offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and strive to have a person-first lens when using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions.

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When not at work, Madeline is often doing homeschool activities with her wonderful child (and a collection of other beloved children she cares for), baking, listening to podcasts, and walking her Shihpoo (Shih Tzu-Poodle mix) Kevin. Her favorite hobby is, and always has been, sleeping. She loves peanut buster parfaits from Dairy Queen, the color purple, and irises.