Hello, and welcome to 7cups. My name is Maddie, and I have a Bachelors Degree in psychology and am interested in pursuing a Master's degree in counseling psychology once I gain more experience within the mental health field through my volunteer work here on 7cups. Although I am not a licensed therapist just yet, I'm fascinated with exploring the psychoanalytic tradition of psychotherapy, which means that I'm very interested in the root causes and origins of current psychological symptoms, but by no means am I a professional psychotherapist. All chats that I engage in with members are strictly as a professional Listener on 7cups and I abide by the rules stipulated in the 7cups contract. To give a brief sketch of my interest in psychoanalysis, this theoretical orientation focuses on the power of the past and childhood in shaping who we grow to become as adults. Often, members seeking help are in pain; anguished and hurting, with profound struggles and issues and "talk therapy", (as psychoanalysis is colloquially known), aims to bring about greater self-awareness through understanding the role that the past plays in the present. Through active listening, being a trained listener on 7cups, and being present with members as they discuss their own stories, my long-term members are often able to achieve transformation and live a healthier and more fulfilling life. I look forward to chatting with anyone who is in need of my services. I AM NOT IN ANY WAY A SUBSTITUTE FOR  SPEAKING WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AND I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THIS LINK, WHERE INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS UNITED STATES RESIDENTS CAN SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP IF IN A CRISIS: http://www.suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.html">http://www.suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.html