Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosalie Maduro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rosalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
As I approached my high school graduation in 1993, I made a bold decision that would change the trajectory of my life. Instead of taking the expected path of attending a UC school close to home, I chose to accept an offer from George Washington University—3,000 miles away in Washington, D.C. At the time, I didn’t know anyone there and had never been so far from my family. It was a leap into the unknown, filled with uncertainty and fear, but deep down, I knew it was the right choice.
The journey was challenging. I worked multiple jobs to support myself, navigated life without the safety net of family, and grew through the demands of independence. Despite the difficulties, this decision turned out to be the most transformative of my life. It opened doors to incredible opportunities—traveling the world, forming deep and lasting friendships, and building connections that continue to enrich my life. That leap of faith taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the courage to take risks.
This foundation enabled me to carve out a career in engineering and pivot into mobile technology, breaking barriers as a young Asian woman in a male-dominated field. From there, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, discovered my passion for pet rescue, and embraced the profound journey of motherhood.
Each of these experiences deepened my understanding of people and the human spirit, leading me to realize my true calling: helping others. In a world increasingly impacted by mental health challenges, I’ve found purpose as a therapist, using my diverse skills and life experiences to guide others toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a Filipino-American engineer-turned-psychotherapist committed to helping individuals navigate life’s complexities, including trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, relationship challenges, cultural or gender identity exploration, career transitions, and major life changes. My passion is empowering clients to rewrite their stories, break free from pain, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
I create a safe and supportive space for healing by integrating trauma-informed practices, somatic interventions that bridge the mind-body connection, and Narrative Therapy. The focus of the therapeutic work is to help the client build resilience, nurture personal growth, and reconnect with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
I specialize in trauma. When clients come to me with trauma, they often carry a glass that feels fragile and unsteady, as if it’s about to shatter. Together, we take the courageous step of breaking that glass into tiny pieces, exploring each fragment with care and curiosity. Piece by piece, we examine what belongs in their reauthored story—what fits, what doesn’t, and how it all connects.
This process means revisiting old memories, untangling the threads of past pain, and confronting patterns that no longer serve them. It’s not easy; it’s raw and often heart-wrenching. But through every moment, I am there—guiding, supporting, and holding space—until together, we create a new glass. It might be imperfect at first, but it’s solid, whole, and uniquely theirs.
From there, our work shifts to polishing that glass—refining their narrative into one that reflects their strength, resilience, and the beauty of their true self. It becomes a story they can own with pride, one that honors their journey and celebrates their growth.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
As an engineer, problem-solving came naturally to me. It was a structured, linear process—black and white. I excelled in that environment and found satisfaction in finding solutions, but I often grew bored once the problem was resolved. Over time, as I experienced more of life, I realized that the human experience and psyche are anything but linear. Each person’s journey is unique, nuanced, and deeply complex, defying any straightforward solution.
I came to understand that people are not problems to be solved but stories to be explored. This shift required me to embrace curiosity and learn to sit with uncertainty—something that doesn’t come with easy answers or quick fixes.
In my work as a psychotherapist, I help clients cultivate this same sense of curiosity and acceptance. Together, we navigate the discomfort of not having immediate solutions, creating space for exploration, growth, and deeper self-understanding.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my practice, I deeply value the power of a strong therapeutic alliance—a trusting, collaborative bond between therapist and client—as the foundation of meaningful healing. Research consistently highlights its critical role in achieving positive outcomes. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and valued. With genuine empathy, active listening, and mutual respect, I work to ensure that each client feels understood and validated in their unique experiences. When this trust is nurtured, clients can set meaningful goals, make empowered choices, and embrace their journey of growth and transformation with confidence.
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