Meet Madeline Norris | Perinatal Therapist & Women’s Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madeline Norris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madeline, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance is a concept I think so many of us are trying to achieve, but do not always have a clear understanding of what that would look like in practice. Redefining “balance” and how one may find it in their own lives is a conversation I have with many of my therapy clients and have reflected heavily on for myself. I used to imagine a scale, where “work” is one one side and “life” is on the other side and they are perfectly level with each other. I found this image to be a bit too simplistic for a concept with so much complexity. Now I imagine a circle with many different slices. The slices account for my many different roles and identities; there is a slice for business owner, for therapist, for bookkeeper and accountant, for wife, mother, friend, daughter, etcetera. I only have so much space in my circle, so when one slice is taking up more space, then consequently the other slices will take up less to accommodate. It is rare that all of the slices are equal. To me, true work/life balance does not mean I am giving equal effort to “work” and “life”, but instead understanding there will be periods of time where work is getting more energy and the other aspects of my life receive less. I find balance over time, always shifting and adjusting so each slice is getting time, energy, and attention when it is needed.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own a solo therapy practice specializing in women’s health, perinatal/postpartum mental health, infertility, and miscarriage. I often say I specialize in reproductive mental health and wellness because my work covers so many different issues that can arise during the reproductive years of life. At this moment in my business, I am most proud of the clients I work with and how I am able to show up for them in our work. I have spent a lot of time creating boundaries for myself as a business owner so that I can be fully present and authentic with my clients. The relationships created with clients is one of my favorite parts of this work. The emphasis on that connection is one aspect of my business that sets me apart from others. When you work with me, you and I create a relationship together that is genuine. I am professional and I will hold you accountable in your therapy journey, but I also deeply care about you, your life, and your wellbeing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being outside and I’m a big trail runner, so I would naturally take her out on some of my favorite trails. The Lumpy Ridge Loop outside of Estes is one of my favorites and has incredible views of Rocky Mountain National Park. A coffee and pastry at Coffee on the Rocks beforehand is a must. In Denver, the arts is one of my favorite parts of this city. I love the Museum of Contemporary Art and catching a performance from the Colorado Ballet is always a treat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I was early in my career I received supervision and mentorship from two women, Kristin Wallin and Stefanie Luna, owners of Wallin & Luna Counseling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not only did they heavily influence my clinical work and guide me into the world of perinatal mental health, but they have been great role models for what it can look like to be a female business owner. I also have an incredible group of local friends and colleagues who are navigating entrepreneurship as well and that has been such a source of inspiration and support. Gioia Garden, Maddy Bollinger, Margaret Matlock, and Hannah Gandsey are four brilliant therapists in Denver who have given me support and guidance navigating the world of private practice. My dear friend, Steph Winsor, is another business owner who is constantly showing me what it looks like to show up authentically in business. I could go on and on about the people in my life who have given me support, but for the sake of brevity I won’t. I truly believe in the power of community and relationship.

Website: https://www.madelineschiebel.com

Instagram: madelinehelentherapy

Image Credits
Sarah Nicholson