Madison Steele
About Madison Steele, LMSW
Even as a little girl, I found joy in helping others, using a God-given ability to engage in conversations and empathize with friends, family, and strangers. I married my high school sweetheart, and we had a beautiful baby boy. Working as a preschool teacher was the perfect way to be with my son while helping other families with their childcare needs. I enjoyed that calling for almost a decade. During that time, I enrolled in college to pursue a degree in education. Life was good.
In 2015, my life was forever changed. My husband sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and died from an overdose not long after. He had struggled with addiction earlier in life but had maintained sobriety for five years prior to the injury. Sadly, he was not the same person after his brain trauma. He battled depression for the remainder of his short life. Following the accident, I started learning as much as I could about the brain, severe brain trauma, mental health issues and the psyche. And then came the overdose and his untimely passing. His death was a pivotal moment in my life, and it changed my focus from educating children to helping the victims of addiction and their families find power over and healing from the insidious disease of addiction.
My son and I began group grief counseling, as well as our own individual counseling. In the grief group with others, I witnessed and felt the enormous power of group therapy—the sharing of stories, support and the healing that can occur in community. It was during that extremely painful time that I understood that supporting others experiencing trauma, grief, adversity and pain was where I wanted to commit my life. It became clear to me that my Higher Power put me here to help others who are hurting.
I changed my major to psychology and once again became immersed in literature on how the brain functions and how the psyche impacts decision making. After completing a BS in psychology, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work, a decision encouraged by my strong desire to learn more about family systems and provide a safe space and place for individuals and families to feel supported as they shared and processed their thoughts, feelings, experiences and personal truths in a non-judgmental, compassionate environment. Throughout my education and related work to date, I am passionate about raising awareness about how childhood trauma affects health over the lifespan; helping families form stronger bonds; promoting safe, nurturing and secure relationships; and supporting all individuals in moving through adversity so they can thrive.
At Kagey Family Counseling
At Kagey Family Counseling, I feel honored to support and help individuals and families impacted by the overwhelming cycle of substance abuse and addiction and the accompanying trauma and feelings of guilt, shame, blame, anger, fear, powerlessness and loss. I understand firsthand why addiction is considered a family disease. It impacts everyone and everything around it.
Highly experienced in grief and bereavement, trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, domestic and sexual abuse, addiction, stress, mood disorders and relationship issues, I provide individual and family counseling to loved ones of alcoholics and addicts in need. Whether your loved one is actively in the throes of addiction, trying to get sober or in recovery, I help you and your family understand addiction, set and maintain healthy boundaries, develop coping skills and self-care strategies, set personal, professional and family goals, build resilience and self-esteem, and increase the self-compassion needed to love yourself and others tenderly.
While addiction connects us all, I understand that every person and family have their own unique experience, history, personality, needs and goals, which is why I take a client/family-centered approach and work collaboratively to discover and support your personal path to healing. I strongly believe in positive psychology and identifying, building upon and utilizing strengths and resources, while advocating in any way I can on your behalf. As a strength-based, attachment-based, trauma-focused therapist, I utilize several different modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, Adlerian therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, psychodynamic therapy and family systems. I strongly believe that there is a path for healing for every person and family and my role is in supporting you in finding yours.
I really love people and care deeply and passionately about supporting others through difficult times and helping to motivate everyone I work with to become their best self. I’ve been told that I’m warm, easy to open up to, kind, thoughtful and that I go above and beyond for my clients. Giving is certainly one of my love languages. We all go through challenges in this life—some that make us fall to our knees. I’ve certainly been there. I also know that compassionate support, practical guidance and new skills/strategies/perspectives lead to healing and living life—regardless of where we’ve been or where we are right now—with more ease, connection and, ideally, joy.
Born and raised in Houston, I love Texas and am a first-generation college graduate. Outside of work, I love spending time with my son Aiden, who consistently inspires me, and our family. I love nature and enjoy hiking, camping and traveling whenever I can. I love animals as well as people, and we have two cats, a turtle and a small dog. I’m also a plant mom and one of my happy places is definitely in the garden. Music is also a passion of mine, and going to concerts is something that brings me great joy.
If you or someone you love is struggling, I encourage you to reach out. You do not have to fight this battle alone. I am here and will walk by your side for as long as you need. If you’re the loved one of someone suffering from substance abuse or addiction and are looking for family counseling and/or codependency counseling in Houston, TX, I invite you to schedule a complimentary call to discuss your situation, needs and counseling goals. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about counseling for loved ones and families of addicts and here to help you find freedom from the pain, shame and isolation of addiction.
Madison Steele, LMSW earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Houston’s College of Social Work, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies from The University of Houston Honors College and an Associate of Arts Degree from Lone Star College. As a lifelong learner, Madison is currently working toward her LCDC and EMDR certification to continue best serving her clients and their families. In addition to her work as a therapist and social worker at Kagey Family Counseling, Madison has provided therapy to women and children who have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault at Montgomery County Women’s Center; worked as a research assistant at the University of Houston; assessed and supported individuals and families through home visits for Harris County Probate Court 1; and worked as a preschool teacher for a decade. Madison has been and continues to be active in the Houston community through her work with leadership teams, advocacy services, fundraising efforts, honor societies and volunteer projects. These projects include helping elders through support of nursing homes and end-of-life therapy, increasing awareness about human trafficking, assisting in disaster relief efforts, and numerous other environmental and social responsibility initiatives. Madison is passionate about and adheres to the code of ethics celebrated in social work, including embodying, supporting and advocating for values, such as social justice, integrity, and a promise to competency, equity and inclusion.
