A Purpose Driven Life Rooted in Wellness and Storytelling – Exclusive Interview with Madi Wend

Madi Wend brings together therapy, wellness, storytelling, and advocacy in a way that feels deeply human. In this interview, she shares how her personal experiences, coastal lifestyle, and commitment to mental health education have shaped a purpose-driven career focused on connection, creativity, and compassionate care.

Madi Wend, Therapist, Author, Podcast Host

Who is Madi Wend?

I’m someone who’s deeply curious about people, stories, and what helps us truly thrive. At heart, I’m a creator and a connector – whether that’s through my work, my writing, or the conversations I have every day.

I live on Long Island, where the beach is both my reset button and my inspiration. I love coastal living, nature, and animals, and I’m happiest when I’m near the water or my family. I’m also a foodie and a serious coffee lover – discovering new restaurants and great coffee shops is one of my favorite ways to unwind and stay inspired.

Professionally, I’m driven by service and purpose. I enjoy helping others, building meaningful projects, and staying creatively busy. Through my agency, I’m proud to support causes close to my heart, including the Ronald McDonald House, which reflects my belief in giving back to families and communities in tangible ways.

At home and in business, I’m much the same person – energetic, curious, and always creating. I love blogging, podcasting, and writing books, and I’m constantly exploring new ideas and ways to share stories that matter. Something many people find interesting about me is that I don’t separate creativity from work – it is the work. Whether I’m building a business, writing, or starting a new project, it all comes from the same place: a desire to connect, contribute, and keep growing.

What inspired you to start your journey in therapy and wellness, and how did you merge it with your passion for writing and coastal living?

My journey into therapy and wellness was shaped by a lifelong desire to help others and to improve quality of life. I began my career in long-term care, working first as an activity assistant and then advancing into leadership roles, including activity director, quality-of-life coordinator, and social services director. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of human connection, emotional well-being, and the importance of dignity and purpose at every stage of life. Over time, my work naturally evolved from long-term care into the broader mental health field where education, advocacy, and meaningful impact became central to my professional and education training focus.

Alongside clinical work, I’ve always been drawn to education and literacy. Writing and training became a natural extension of my practice. I’ve authored mental health articles, developed and delivered continuing education training for professionals, spoken at conferences, and presented at national and virtual symposiums on topics including trauma, attachment, intergenerational trauma, anxiety, disability, and emotional investment parenting. These opportunities allowed me to merge clinical expertise with storytelling, education, and advocacy.

My passion for writing began more formally when I was invited to contribute to a professional mental health publication while serving in a leadership role within an honor society, where I focused on trauma-informed topics. From there, writing, speaking, and teaching continued to expand organically alongside my clinical work.

My love of coastal living has been a constant thread throughout my life. Growing up, summer visits were spent on a small island on Lake Erie, with additional time near the Great Lakes in Michigan and frequent trips to coastal towns and marinas in Florida. Water, coastal communities, and small-town settings have always felt grounding and inspiring to me. Living on Long Island came later, but it aligned seamlessly with both my personal passions and my professional work. As a multi-state therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, relationships, and mental health related to autoimmune conditions, chronic Lyme disease, and complex chronic illness, Long Island offered a unique opportunity, while living in a coastal environment that deeply resonates with me.

Everything eventually converged – my clinical work, writing, speaking, advocacy, and love for coastal towns – culminating in creative projects such as my blogs, podcast, and published books. Under a pen name, I recently launched the first novel in a coastal, small-town fiction series, a project I had envisioned for many years. Bean Hive Cottage: I Smell Fall, book 1 in the series. Each aspect of my work reflects the same core values: connection, education, creativity, and service.

In many ways, my path wasn’t meticulously planned – it unfolded in a perfectly imperfect way. Each experience built upon the last, allowing me to integrate wellness, creativity, and coastal living into a professional life that feels authentic, purposeful, and deeply aligned.

Can you share the story behind your Ehlers-Danlos health and wellness site, and how you collaborate with your genetics partner to support your community?

The Ehlers-Danlos health and wellness site was created from both personal and professional experience. I have several family members affected by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and within my mental health practice, many clients specifically seek me out because of my specialized knowledge and experience supporting individuals with connective tissue disorders. Over time, I recognized a significant gap in accessible, reliable, and compassionate resources for individuals navigating mental health issues with Ehlers-Danlos and related conditions.

The site was designed to serve as an educational and supportive hub, offering information, blogs, and curated resources for individuals and families regardless of where they live. A core part of the platform is highlighting trusted practitioners and organizations that are committed to improving care and outcomes within the Ehlers-Danlos community.

One of the key professional collaborators featured on the site is Paldeep S. Atwal, a board-certified clinical and medical biochemical geneticist with extensive experience in clinical genomics, undiagnosed diseases, and connective tissue disorders. Dr. Atwal has also been a guest on my Play Therapy™ Podcast, where he shared expert insights into genetics, diagnostics, and the evolving landscape of care for individuals with complex and rare conditions of Ehlers-Danlos.

Our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to education, ethical care, and patient empowerment. By combining mental health support with access to leading medical expertise, the site helps individuals feel informed, validated, and connected to appropriate resources.

Ultimately, the platform exists to ensure that people living with Ehlers-Danlos are not navigating their journey alone and have access to knowledgeable professionals who genuinely care about making a difference.

How does your personal therapy website reflect your approach to therapy, and what makes your practice stand out from others?

My personal therapy website was intentionally designed to mirror the way I approach therapy itself – warm, inviting, and deeply client-centered. My work is grounded in an attachment-focused perspective, with an integrative approach that thoughtfully incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based modalities. I believe therapy should feel relational, supportive, and collaborative, and the tone and design of the site reflect that philosophy.

Beyond clinical approach, the website emphasizes community, connection, and accessibility. I place a strong focus on sharing resources, education, and trusted partnerships so individuals and families feel supported. Giving back is also an important part of my practice. My agency is a proud supporter of the Ronald McDonald House across multiple states, and community involvement is woven into the identity of my work.

What truly sets my practice apart is the balance between professional expertise and human connection. The website highlights not only therapeutic services, but also partnerships with organizations and practitioners I trust, reinforcing my belief that meaningful healing happens through collaboration, advocacy, and community support. My goal is to create a practice that feels safe, empowering, and connected – one that extends to helping people who hurt, find healing and resilience.

Your work on Bean Hive Cottage merges wellness, lifestyle, and storytelling. How do these elements influence your approach to coaching and therapy?

Bean Hive Cottage is intentionally separate from my work in therapy and coaching. The series is written under a pen name and was created as a space for storytelling and entertainment rather than clinical or coaching influence. It reflects everyday life – people living, connecting, and navigating ordinary moments in small coastal, waterfront marina towns.

The inspiration for Bean Hive Cottage comes from my love of community, history, and the quiet stories that exist in towns by the water – whether along the East Coast, island communities, Great Lakes towns, or old harbor villages. I’m deeply drawn to the rhythm of everyday living and the way people’s lives intersect in simple, human ways. While the series itself does not inform my therapeutic work, the curiosity that fuels it does. I’ve always been fascinated by people – their stories, their histories, and what shapes who they are. Whether it’s people-watching in an airport, exchanging a smile in a grocery store, or listening to a community’s shared past, I believe everyone carries a story worth noticing.

That genuine interest in human connection is what strengthens my work as a therapist. Storytelling, creativity, and the arts – film, theater, and writing – have always helped me better understand perspective, emotion, and lived experience. It’s not the series that influences my practice, but my love of people and stories that naturally inform both. Bean Hive Cottage grew from that same curiosity and appreciation for everyday life. It allows me to explore community and connection creatively, while my professional work remains grounded, ethical, and clearly distinct.

As an author, how do you use storytelling to connect with your audience and create meaningful change in their lives?

Storytelling has always been my primary way of connecting with people. I’m drawn to all kinds of stories – mysteries, lighthearted everyday moments, holiday traditions, quiet adventures, and even silly, comedic snapshots of life. What matters most to me isn’t the genre, but the feeling a story leaves behind. I approach storytelling by paying close attention to everyday life and asking simple questions: What are people missing? I always want to know the story, I want to imagine and dream. I love imagination and creative minds. Where is there room for more warmth, creativity, or curiosity? Many of my ideas come from ordinary moments – a conversation I overhear, a walk by the water, a song that sparks a memory, or a scene in a show that lingers longer than expected. When inspiration shows up, I write it down immediately. I’ve learned that stories often arrive quietly, and honoring them in the moment allows them to grow into something meaningful later. That process helps me create work that feels natural, relatable, and grounded in real human experience. Meaningful change doesn’t always come from dramatic messages – it often comes from feeling seen.

Through storytelling, I aim to create spaces where readers can recognize themselves, feel comforted, smile, or simply pause. If a story helps someone feel understood, connected, or a little less alone, then it has done its work.

What inspired the creation of the Bean Hive Cottage series, and how does it embody your personal values and experiences?

The inspiration for the Bean Hive Cottage series comes from my lifelong love of well-written, character-driven stories – stories that blend humor, warmth, relationships, and a touch of intrigue. Shows like Gilmore Girls and Schitt’s Creek have always resonated with me because they focus on community, connection, and everyday life through richly developed characters. Everyone has a story, and I’ve always been drawn to places where those stories naturally intersect.

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone – the butcher, the post office clerk, the teachers, the hospital staff. It was a tourist town, lively yet familiar, and full of personality. As a child, I spent summers in small waterfront and island communities, from Put-In-Bay, Ohio, to lake towns like Traverse City, Michigan. My childhood memories are filled with pontoon boat rides, fishing by the pond with my father, listening to folk tales from older family members, and being surrounded by people who loved telling stories.

Bean Hive Cottage was created as a reflection of that world – a charming coastal town filled with intriguing, imperfect, and endearing characters. The series centers on everyday life: a female journalist who owns a small inn and hosts book clubs, a diner owner, a baker, a dance and theater studio, a town mayor, and neighbors who are just curious enough to keep things interesting. It’s rooted in seasonal traditions, local festivals, coffee shops, and the kind of community where people show up for one another. After living across the Midwest, South, West Coast, and now Long Island, New York, I found myself surrounded once again by the kind of coastal village that felt deeply familiar – ferry boats, beaches, fall festivals, holiday traditions, and a strong sense of local identity. Bean Hive Cottage became a blend of the places I’ve lived, the towns I loved growing up, and the community I call home today.

At its core, the series embodies my personal values: resilience, connection, and belonging. Life isn’t without hardship, but people are stronger when they’re supported, when they ask for help, and when they’re reminded they’re not alone. I believe there’s a real need for wholesome, comforting, and entertaining stories that focus on human connection rather than constant intensity or conflict. Bean Hive Cottage is my way of honoring community, storytelling, and the quiet magic of everyday life – where warmth, humor, and authenticity still matter, and where everyone has a place at the table.

How does living on the East Coast, close to both the tranquil Long Island Sound and the bustling energy of New York City, influence your work and lifestyle?

Living on the East Coast, particularly on Long Island, has had a profound influence on both my work and my lifestyle. I’m surrounded by balance. I can be immersed in the tranquil beauty of the Long Island Sound, the beaches, marinas, vineyards of the North Fork, or the tree-lined farmers markets or beach charm of the Hamptons. The coastal environment offers a sense of calm, grounding, and restoration that I deeply value. At the same time, New York City is just a train ride away. The energy of the city – Broadway, museums, art, culture, and constant creativity – keeps me inspired and engaged. I love being able to step into that fast-paced, vibrant world when I want stimulation, ideas, and movement, and then return home to a quieter, more reflective pace.

That contrast shapes how I live and create. When I need inspiration, the city provides it. When I need clarity, balance, or rest, the coast does. I never feel that one overshadows the other; instead, they complement each other beautifully. Long Island offers a rare combination of coastal charm and access to world-class culture – farmers markets, quaint coffee shops, local festivals, beaches, and community life alongside one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It truly feels like having the best of both worlds, and that balance allows me to live, work, and create in a way that feels both energized and grounded.

What key lessons from your personal experiences do you bring into your therapy practice to help clients overcome challenges?

One of the most important lessons my personal and professional experiences have taught me is that challenges are rarely solved all at once. Real change happens in small, intentional steps.

When people feel overwhelmed, I often remind them that setbacks aren’t failures – they’re information. Sometimes falling down or stepping back becomes a reset, not a defeat. I’ve learned that growth requires self-awareness and self-discipline, but also patience. Sustainable change doesn’t come from trying to fix everything at once. It often begins with one small shift – whether that’s improving sleep, setting a boundary, adjusting daily routines, or practicing a new habit consistently over time. Those small changes build resilience and create momentum.

Another key lesson I bring into my work is the importance of acknowledging and validating emotions. Avoiding, minimizing, or suppressing feelings only creates more distress. When people identify what they’re experiencing and allow themselves to feel it – without judgment – they gain clarity about what they can and cannot change. Some situations are not immediately fixable, but how we respond to them can always evolve. I also emphasize the role of boundaries, self-care, and nervous system regulation. Many people struggle because they are overextended, overstimulated, or trying to meet everyone else’s needs while neglecting their own. Learning when to pause, step back, and listen to intuition is often a protective and empowering process.

Communication is another cornerstone. Using “I” statements, expressing needs clearly, and focusing on understanding rather than blame helps reduce defensiveness and strengthens relationships. Feeling heard and validated allows people to reconnect with themselves and others in healthier ways. Above all, the most meaningful lesson I’ve learned is that people heal through being seen. When someone is listened to and validated, they no longer feel invisible. Our feelings – whether difficult, hopeful, or uncertain – matter. It’s not about eliminating emotion, but learning how to work with it in a way that leads to purpose, connection, and meaningful change.

How do you approach working with clients who are navigating the complexities of chronic health conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

When working with clients who are navigating chronic health conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, my approach begins with understanding the individual’s medical reality. Mental health support cannot be effective without first acknowledging how a person’s physical condition impacts their daily functioning, energy levels, and nervous system.

Chronic health conditions often coexist with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship stress, much like they do for individuals without medical challenges. However, the difference lies in how treatment must be adapted. Recommendations that may be appropriate for the general population – such as high-intensity exercise, group activities, or stimulating environments – are not always safe or realistic for someone experiencing chronic pain, mobility limitations, fatigue, or sensory sensitivities. I take a highly individualized and collaborative approach. This means learning what the client is managing medically, understanding their limitations, and tailoring mental health strategies that support emotional well-being without exacerbating physical symptoms. For some individuals, that may involve gentle nervous system regulation, pacing, adaptive coping strategies, or creating a sense of safety within their current environment.

Working with chronic illness requires flexibility, validation, and respect for the body’s signals. Clients are often navigating loss, uncertainty, and frustration alongside their diagnosis, and being seen and believed is a critical part of healing. My goal is always to support mental health in a way that aligns with the person’s whole body needs, honors their lived experience, and prioritizes safety, dignity, and sustainability.

What advice would you give to someone looking to balance their professional life with personal passions, especially when living near a vibrant yet tranquil environment?

Balancing professional life with personal passions begins with understanding yourself. Everyone is motivated differently – some people are career-driven, others are passion-driven, and many fall somewhere in between. Balance is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to define what it looks like for you rather than chasing someone else’s version of it. Living near both the vibrant energy of New York City and the calm of Long Island’s coastal communities has reinforced the importance of intention and self-discipline in my own life. Access to excitement and opportunity can be inspiring, but balance comes from knowing when to engage and when to step back. I’m intentional about how often I tap into that energy, and equally intentional about returning to quieter spaces that allow me to reset.

For me, balance starts with consistency. Foundational habits – sleep, nourishment, and movement – create the structure that allows everything else to function. When those basics are in place, it becomes easier to stay focused, creative, and emotionally grounded. I also rely on simple planning practices, such as creating a to-do list and scheduling both work responsibilities and personal passions with equal respect. I make space for what brings me meaning by putting it on my calendar – whether that’s writing, creative work, attending conferences, or simply connecting with people. Pacing is key. Passion should energize your life, not exhaust it.

Knowing when to slow down, prepare ahead, and allow for recovery is part of sustaining both productivity and joy. Ultimately, balance is about creating a life that feels purposeful and livable. It’s not about doing everything at once, but about making room – intentionally – for the things that matter. Even small moments, like a brief walk by the water or stepping into the sunshine, can restore clarity and help realign priorities.

What do you envision for the future of your work, and how do you see your wellness community growing in the years to come?

Looking ahead, I envision my work continuing to evolve at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and mental health awareness. Writing will remain a central part of that journey – both through future books and through broader educational and creative projects that support connection, understanding, and healing. One of my primary focuses moving forward is increasing awareness around chronic and complex health conditions and their impact on mental health. I have a forthcoming book addressing chronic Lyme disease and Bartonella, which explores the emotional, psychological, and relational toll of living with a multifaceted, often misunderstood illness. My goal is to bring language, validation, and visibility to experiences that are frequently overlooked.

Beyond that work, I plan to continue advocating for individuals and families affected by chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and rare diseases, including conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, autoimmune encephalitis, Lyme Disease, Bartonella, and related neurological and systemic illnesses. Mental health is deeply intertwined with physical health, and I see education, advocacy, and community as essential components of long-term support.

Creatively, the Bean Hive Cottage series will continue to grow, offering readers comfort, connection, and storytelling rooted in community and everyday life. Alongside writing, I plan to continue my work through podcasting, blogging, and collaborative partnerships, including ongoing hosting of the Play Therapy Network Podcast(™) and contributing articles for aligned organizations.

Ultimately, I see my wellness community growing through shared stories, increased awareness, and meaningful conversations. Whether through books, podcasts, or advocacy, my vision is to create spaces where people feel seen, informed, and less alone and where both creativity and compassion are central to how we move forward together.

Visit my website for more info!

Read more from Madi Wend