Lynda S. Madison
Lynda S. Madison, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Omaha, and associate professor in pediatrics and psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine and in pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In her private practice, she provides adult, child, and family psychotherapy emphasizing cognitive behavioral and interpersonal work. Dr. Madison also is an author and speaker, providing workshops and consultation services internationally for mental health professionals, parents, and organizations through her company, Peak Potential, Inc.
Dr. Madison began her human services training in the area of developmental disabilities at Ohio State University. She earned her M.Ed. from Georgia State University, and her Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She completed internship training at the Oregon Health Sciences University in medical/clinical psychology.
Dr. Madison began her professional work as a faculty member in the pediatrics department at UNMC, where she provided clinical services and research through the Meyer Rehabilitation Institute, as well coordinating consultation/liaison services to inpatient units and teaching and supervising medical residents and psychology interns and fellows.
In 1985, Dr. Madison became Director of Family Support and Psychological Services at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, where she developed behavioral health and psychological services for the next 22 years. In addition to offering outpatient psychotherapy and psychiatric services, the department provided inpatient consultation-liaison services, inpatient and partial day hospital eating disorders treatment, and consultation to specialty medical clinics, as well as initiating the hospital’s anxiety disorders program.
After leaving Children’s Hospital, Dr. Madison directed the non-profit organization, FOCCUS Inc., USA for four years, where she researched and promoted several pre-marriage inventories and other relationship tools, as well as providing trainings in these instruments in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Dr. Madison served on the board of Nebraska Psychological Association for 12 years, including two years as president, and was awarded its Outstanding Psychologist award. She has served on numerous community and professional boards, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Children’s Museum, Women of Influence Scholarship Program, Backwaters Press, and the Congokazi Congo Women Association.
Dr. Madison has published numerous journal articles on topics related to developmental psychology and mental health. She has authored eight books for the general public, including: Parenting with Purpose: Progressive Discipline from Birth to Four and Keep Talking: A Mother-Daughter Guide to the Preteen Years (both published by Andrews McMeel), The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions, Food and You, What I Wish You Knew, and several other books published by American Girl Company. She has appeared on many television and radio talk shows, including the Today Show, MS-NBC, and Lifestyle Magazine .
In her personal time, Lynda enjoys hiking, biking, running, and camping-- in as many states and countries as she can get to! Indoors, she loves to read and write both fiction and nonfiction works. Most of all, she treasures time with her family and friends.
