Pamela Madsen - Clinical Director of Sea Change Psychotherapy

Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, ACS, RYT-200 (she/her)

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I’m Pamela Madsen, founder and clinical director of Sea Change Psychotherapy. Sea Change is a term from Shakespeare that means complete transformation, which is how I think of the art of therapy, as a compassionate and dedicated therapist based in Atlanta. I specialize in working with relational trauma, emotional abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain and illness, and alcohol use. With advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), I offer a comprehensive and empathetic approach to healing. Additionally, I utilize the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples therapy, helping partners reconnect and thrive.

I work with high-achieving adults, teens, and couples who often struggle with self-image, relationship intimacy, and the pressures of high performance. My clients tend to be hard on themselves and feel most at ease when in control. Together, we navigate life’s ebbs and flows, fostering resilience and growth.

My previous career in business and finance provided me with unique insights into the challenges faced by leaders and high achievers. Through positive psychology, I help clients identify their strengths, increase self-compassion, and find opportunities for personal growth. I employ evidence-based treatments like EMDR, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and RO-DBT to set and achieve goals collaboratively.

In my leadership role as President of the Atlanta Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. My unique background as a quantitative researcher with a special interest in narcissistic abuse further informs my therapeutic approach, ensuring a well-rounded and insightful treatment plan. I also provide consultation and clinical supervision in these specialties, as well as present at conferences nationally and teach master’s and doctoral level students in counseling programs.

It takes courage to seek support, especially when you are used to holding it all together. Let’s sort out what is standing between you and the wholehearted life you deserve. Whether in-person or virtually, I am here to support you.

Specialties and Expertise

Trauma and PTSD

Using IFS, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure, I help clients resolve painful experiences and regain control. Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and Perfectionism: We’ve all had times when we struggle with managing worries both big and small. I am trained in DBT/RO-DBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and perfectionism, helping clients improve their ability to manage stressful situations and experience the freedom to be themselves.

Chronic Pain and Illness

Using evidence-based treatment for pain psychology treatment, I have completed extensive research on the neurobiology of how pain and chronic illness present as a function of trauma. I use Internal Family Systems and EMDR to improve quality of life.

Anxiety, Depression, and OCD

We’ve all had times when we are struggling managing worries both big and small. I am trained in DBT/RO-DBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD to improve ability to manage stressful situations and experience freedom to be yourself.

Eating Disorders

Working towards Certified Eating Disorder Specialist designation, I employ a Healthy at Every Size approach and trauma-focused treatments to support wellness.

Substance Use

After extensive training early in my career working with individuals and couples experiencing substance use, I tailor my approach to meet your goals around managing your wellness to support freedom from what has been holding you back in life. We will rebuild a healthy relationship with yourself, loved-ones, and work together to give you healing for underlying issues.

Couples Therapy

Utilizing Gottman Method (Level 2), EFT (externship), and elements of Imago Relationship Therapy, I help couples heal and reconnect.

Additional Expertise

• Depression
• Emotional Abuse
• Infertility
• Infidelity
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Level 2 Trained
• Marital and Premarital
• Mood Disorders
• Obesity
• Peer Relationships
• Professional Stress/Compassion Fatigue
• Relationship Issues
• Self-Esteem
• Self-Harming
• Stress
• Substance Use
• Women’s Issues

Speaking, Teaching & Media

Pamela is a recognized voice in the field of narcissistic abuse and relational trauma, frequently invited to speak on podcasts, teach continuing education for licensed clinicians, and present at professional conferences nationally.

Podcast Appearances

Outside of Session — “Recovering from Narcissistic Family Systems” (Parts 1 & 2)

A two-part series exploring how to identify abusive narcissistic behavior, redefine your role in a narcissistic family system, set boundaries, and heal your relationship with yourself.

The Chronic Illness Therapist — “Narcissistic Abuse When It Intersects with Chronic Pain” (Ep. 92)

Pamela explores the often-overlooked connection between narcissistic abuse and chronic pain, including how hypervigilance from narcissistic family systems can amplify conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines — and how trauma-focused therapy can improve both emotional and physical symptoms.

Video: Eating Disorder Therapy | OCD Podcast

Continuing Education for Clinicians

Pamela teaches licensed mental health professionals through The Knowledge Tree, an APA- and NBCC-approved continuing education platform. Her on-demand course — Narcissistic Abuse and Relational Trauma Dynamics (6 CE hours) — provides clinicians with an evidence-based foundation for assessing narcissistic presentations ethically, understanding trauma bonding and neurobiological impact, and developing trauma-informed treatment plans.

View the course at The Knowledge Tree