Madelaine Shane

Hi, I’m Madi! I’m a Child and Family Therapist committed to helping children, teens, young adults, and families feel seen, supported, and better equipped to meet life’s challenges.

My Mission

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we feel stuck or unsure of how to support ourselves or our children. Whether the struggle is social, emotional, or developmental, there often comes a time when we need to reach out for help.

My goal is to help children, adolescents, young adults, and parents better understand themselves, their feelings, each other, and the world around them. Together, we’ll build a toolbox of strategies to help manage big emotions and the difficult moments that come with growing, changing, and simply being human.

Who Am I?

I believe in the power of early intervention, the healing nature of relationships, and the deep resilience that lives within every child and family. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a genuine respect for each client’s story. I strive to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Whether it’s a child learning to navigate big emotions, a teen exploring their identity as they mature, or a parent riding the waves of caregiving, I aim to support the development of emotional regulation, strong self-worth, and meaningful connections.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you can find me in nature, baking my famous chocolate chip cookies, or spending time with my sweet (and very silly) dog, Kensington.

My Focus

I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including:

• Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and behaviour concerns
• Self-esteem, self-confidence and identity development
• School stress, bullying, and peer relationships
• Life transitions, grief, and family changes
• Parenting support and family communication

Whether supporting an individual or a family system, I take a collaborative, team-based approach, often working alongside parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals to create a holistic plan for growth, understanding, and overall well-being.

My Background:

I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) and am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I also have a Bachelor of Education and began my career as a teacher in alternative education settings, working with neurodivergent youth with ADHD, autism, and learning differences.

My background in education gave me first-hand insight into the challenges young people face in school environments, and how crucial early, supportive intervention can be. These experiences continue to shape my therapeutic lens and reinforce my belief in every child’s capacity for growth.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked in schools, community mental health organizations, and private practice. I continue to deepen my skills through advanced training, consultation, and supervision.

My Approach:

My style is warm, gentle, and strength based. I tailor each session to the individual, drawing from evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and creative approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Play and Art-Based Modalities

I work collaboratively with clients to build insight, resilience, and lasting change and always at a pace that feels safe and supportive.