MELANIE RYAN
Ancient Wisdom Teacher
Wilderness Skills Educator
Melanie Ryan is founder of The Golden Shadow Method and author of many books. She is an international guide into the golden shadow, restoring humanity to its true nature.
Email: MelanieRyanLCSW@gmail.com
The Golden Shadow Method
The Golden Shadow Method founded by Melanie Ryan, is a healing journey into your heart and soul that transforms your world. This is a path of awakening your full human potential. It purifies negative energies hidden in the unconscious mental and emotional bodies that cause disease and prevent you from reaching your full potential. It brings into awareness your true self, and aligns you with the gifts of your soul. You can become Certified in The Golden Shadow Method to help yourself and others.
Join Melanie for this retreat and training at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY in October, 2025
THE GOLDEN SHADOW METHOD
The Golden Shadow Method Courses & Trainings
The Golden Shadow Method is the foundation training that shares the ancient teachings of mystics, philosophers, Buddhists, and shamans. In this level, we begin to discover all the positive qualities and gain clarity on who we truly are. Using Jungian techniques, Tibetan Buddhist meditation, and shamanic wisdom, we access the unconscious and journey into our inner world to reclaim our lost power.
Secrets of the Golden Shadow is the second level training taking you deeper into the golden shadow where you will learn the secrets of healing that have been lost over time. There are three pillars to this training; Bodhi Mind, Transmuting Triggers, and the Terrain Model. It is a deep purification of the mental, emotional, and physical body,
an integration of the self to wholeness. It promotes clarity and the healing of deep wounds. This training explores ancient texts, Buddhist meditation, metaphysics, quantum physics, working with past lives, ancestral trauma, ancestral diets, and change in lifestyle.
Golden Shadow Transmuting Triggers Retreat is a 6 day personal retreat into the shadow to address negative patterns that sabotage your joy, creativity and reaching your full potential. Trauma is universal, and it creates blocks between you and your true self. This retreat is for those who are ready to really dive deep and break the negative patterns of childhood trauma, adult trauma, ancestral trauma, and past life trauma.
Golden Shadow Reiki Trainings combine shadow work, Buddhist meditation, shamanic healing, metaphysical practices with hands on energy work.
Golden Shadow Vision Quests remove you from all distractions and immerse you in the healing power of nature. This is a true calling to the Creator.
ABOUT MELANIE
Melanie Ryan is an expert in holistic health and healing. She specializes in the golden shadow to help humanity return to its true nature. Melanie's method is inspired by her belief that humans at their core are light, love, creative, compassionate, wise and good beings. The Golden Shadow Method and Secrets of the Golden Shadow are inspired by her personal healing journey and the wisdom she has gained from over thirty years of traveling the world and studying with scholars, mystics, shamans, Buddhists, metaphysical doctors and healers. Melanie's unique contribution to humanity comes from the state of advanced spiritual awareness.
Melanie Ryan's professional career began with receiving her bachelor degree in psychology from the University of Hartford, CT in 1992. She then graduated with a dual master degree in clinical social work and clinical research from Fordham University in New York in 1995. Melanie worked for many years in mainstream hospitals and rehabs, helping schizophrenics, addicts, criminals, and severely ill individuals. She was a certified alcohol and substance abuse specialist (CASAC) for 20 years until she could no longer be a part of a healthcare system that was corrupt and failing. Melanie entered the field of psychology to alleviate suffering in the world. Through her own suffering and frustration with a broken system, Melanie found that ancient wisdom was the way to heal herself and help others heal.
The origins of medicine, healing, and psychotherapy can be found in Ancient Greece. The Greek Goddess Psyche is the Goddess of the Soul/Spirit. Psyche means soul, psychology means to study the soul, and psychotherapy means to care for the soul. This is the core belief of the golden shadow method teachings. We are a spiritual being having a human experience, not just a physical body. To heal means to connect with our hearts and souls. This is where wisdom, love, and beauty reside.
Melanie has trained in yoga, past life regression therapy, Buddhism, reiki, shamanism, naturopathic medicine, quantum and metaphysics. She is a graduate of The Center of Applied Jungian Studies Mystery School and a member of the Jungian Association of Western Massachusetts. She trained in Greece with renowned Jungian scholar, Edward Tick, PhD., an expert in using archetypal therapy and Asklepian Dream Incubation for healing PTSD among combat war veterans.
Melanie Ryan took her Buddhist Vows with Acharya Judy Lief of the Shambhala Tradition. Over the years she was mentored by Natalie Baker, David Nichtern, and Derek Kolleeny. Today she studies the Bön tradition with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Vajrayana Buddhism & Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. Melanie Ryan is an authorized Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Shambhala founded by the Tibetan master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Melanie discovered shamanism in the late 1990s. She apprenticed with her first shamanic teacher Natalie Deeb Kasdan from 2002 - 2012 and then began learning from shamans around the world: Mohican, Apache, Peruvian, Mayan, Celtic, and Greek. Melanie’s curiosity led her to discover that all shamanic lineages intersect and teach the same core teachings. Melanie trained in shamanism with Natalie Deeb Kasdan and Karine Gordineer. She then served as adjunct faculty for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide with Llyn Roberts and Stacey Gibbons. Melanie also served as Secretary of the Olympic Mountain Earth Wisdom Circle, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the wisdom of indigenous people.
Melanie and her family have been part of Tom Brown Jr.'s (Tracker School), the lineage of Apache elder Grandfather Stalking Wolf, for many years. There she was trained as a Vision Quest Protector with elder Malcolm Ringwalt.
Melanie Ryan lived in New York for many years and owned an award-winning holistic health center in the Hudson Valley. She is an expert in holistic health and healing, continuing to deepen her knowledge, studying naturopathic medicine with pioneer Dr. Marizelle Arce, ND of the New Terrain Medicine Model and Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Nida, a traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig branch of medicine.
In December 2023, Melanie's only child, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier, died suddenly. Justin has since become her spiritual guide, teaching her greater depths of the golden shadow. While studying death and the afterlife, new paths of awakening have opened for Melanie through the study of death and the afterlife in Vajrayana Buddhism and Metaphysics. Justin teaches Melanie about the wisdom of heartbreak, how to heal grief and live a life full of love, joy, and beauty.
After Justin's passing, Melanie Ryan and her husband Andy Steigmeier, moved to the mountains of northern Georgia, bordering Cherokee National Forest. They enjoy hiking, swimming, growing organic food and flowers and a spiritual life. Together they offer a variety of educational workshops, healing opportunities, and retreats on their beautiful and sacred farm land.
Melanie’s mantra: “Level Up - Never Stop Learning.”
MELANIE'S TESTIMONIALS
Norm Marshall, Vermont
The Golden Shadow Method 5 Day retreat at the Omega Institute has helped me to take a big step in my path toward wholeness. Melanie's method expertly integrated ancient wisdom from three spiritual traditions which all lead to my true self and the collective unconscious. Her confidence that we can access neglected parts of ourselves was infectious, and we were all able to journey to those places for healing. The group was very close and supportive, and we shared many different emotions,
often with love and humor.
I have achieved a deeper understanding of lifelong patterns that I had partially understood intellectually, but now know in a more embodied way. I am a better friend to myself, act with more clarity, and am open to what comes next. I also have a set of new practices that will help me continue along this path.
Michelle Maidenberg, Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R, CGP
Award Winning Author of “Ace Your Life”: Unleash Your Best Self & Live the Life You Want
Melanie‘s work has truly transformed my life. Her expertise and guidance facilitated my growth and evolution, gave me a roadmap to offer myself compassion, and cultivated me to be a more present and attuned therapist to my clients. Melanie’s vast knowledge on the dark shadow and golden shadow is inspiring and incredibly informative and relatable. I have referred many others to her because of how helpful and valuable her guidance has directly been for me. I feel extremely fortunate to have connected with her. My life will never be the same. I’m feeling more empowered, hopeful and fulfilled which is a direct result of my work with Melanie. She’s truly a blessing and a conduit for personal growth and development.
Andie Iatrou, LCSW-R,
Trauma-Certified Psychotherapist, C-PTSD specialist, IFS-informed
I regard the Soul and the Self as one, as the wise "core" or "source" within. I was in my own process of integrating Soul/Self into my psychotherapy practice for some years when I found my way to Melanie's writing and course offerings. Her approach has served to deepen my own personal and professional developmental. The Golden Shadow Methods are simple, actionable, gentle and yet potent, particularly for individuals struggling with a sense of meaning, purpose and disconnection. These practices are intuitive and offer a sensitive, imaginative, and respectful way to connect with many aspects of the Soul/Self. Melanie is a skillful guide and teacher who is passionate about helping others on their healing paths. Her courses offer a safe container to practice unlocking the “doors” to the psyche for inquiry, contemplation and for learning what is necessary for continued growth, integration, and self-realization. The Golden Shadow concept offers insights and approaches that are transformative and hope inspiring. It inspires courage and the will to explore the landscapes of our “shadow” parts, sifting through and finding the gifts that live there...the golden nuggets...the Golden Shadow. Melanie’s work is invaluable in teaching therapists to do their own inner work as well as to guide others to their essence.
Mary-Kay Kallergis, MA, LMSW
Educator & Psychotherapist
I have been studying with Melanie for several years and her work transforms lives. After years of traditional talk therapy, I was seeking something deeper. Melanie’s transmuting triggers practice did that for me, taking me into the depths of my soul. I have gone through a death and rebirth, and Melanie has been there the entire time, providing a supportive, nurturing container as I embraced the powers of my inner healer. Using the golden shadow method and transmuting triggers practices of meditation, active imagination, and shamanic journeying, I have been able to become my true self. The wounds I used to carry and the triggers I experienced regularly, are now gone. I am more present, happier and healthier. I now share these teachings in my own private practice and see the transformation happening for others. This method brings profound healing and compassion to our world. Everyone needs to learn it!
John Parssinen
Social Worker / Healer
My outdoor shamanic session with Melanie took place at a beautiful park on the river which felt harmonious, synchronous and healing. Our session started with Melanie guiding me through a water ceremony on the banks of the river, which was followed by other mindfulness activities that helped me to connect with the land and water. It is evident to me that Melanie has attuned her life to the spirits of nature and she has chosen sacred outdoor spaces that carry higher vibrations to conduct her shamanic work, which creates a powerful healing environment. When I "stepped into" the session I felt supported by both Melanie and the beneficial spirits of nature. There also seemed to be messages of wisdom and support everywhere I turned (including from the flock of geese!). I also appreciate how Melanie empowered me as a client to discover answers I needed and how I can heal myself. This was a beautiful healing experience for me.
Mary-Kay Kallergis
Educator & Psychotherapist
I stepped into Melanie’s office after years of talk therapy. I was tired, overweight, feeling stuck, and chronically sick. I was looking for something different and Melanie introduced me to the process of transmutation by working with the spirit of the wounded self. I became aware of many wounded versions of myself who were holding feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fear. I learned how to love and integrate these lost and wounded parts of my soul. As a result, I have lost 114 pounds, been promoted at my job, and become happy, creative, playful, grounded and clear. I used to be triggered all the time and now I am not. Now I feel free to manifest my dreams. I am so grateful for Melanie and her transformational process!
Dena M. Daigle
Spiritual Alchemist
"Working with Melanie’s Golden Shadow Method and Transmuting Triggers protocol has given me access to multi-dimensional layers of my soul that I once feared were gone forever. I have suffered with symptoms of C-PTSD, severe depression and anxiety since I was a child due to repeated personal trauma, but since I began working with Melanie and the spirits of my wounded Self, healing and integrating those lost soul parts, my entire world has shifted from dark and gray to a brilliant spectrum of colorful light. Not only have I been able to welcome home those versions of myself from this lifetime, but from previous lives as well, which has allowed me to unlock creative gifts and talents that have been asleep for what feels like ages. Healing no longer feels burdensome and hopeless to me, rather it has become both a powerful liberation and joyful celebration. I am eternally grateful for Melanie and her expertise as this work has enlivened my spirit in ways I can’t explain, ways that I once believed could only be experienced by others. I finally feel like I’m becoming whole again!"
Catherine Fraise
This is a self-actualizing, life empowerment method where Melanie provides a safe and loving way for us to travel into our own shadow. She makes it so natural for us all to have hidden parts - both positive and negative. It is full of exercises and techniques that quickly helped me gain more insight and wisdom. I feel energized and inspired with clarity and vision for what I’d like to manifest. Thank you Melanie!!!!
Colleen Harris
Melanie’s Golden Shadow Method offers a deep dive into the treasures we have hidden away in our Shadow...those positive and negative qualities which we deem too powerful or too dark to reveal to the world- and even to ourselves! Her 3-pillared Method showed me how to access these places and how to explore them safely. Melanie has created a way in and a way out - and I am still going in... and exiting with treasures I had locked away in my unconscious so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. This Method showed me how to navigate that discomfort with hope and a warrior's spirit! I am deeply grateful to Melanie Ryan for sharing this Method.
Saylor Pace
Melanie Ryan has developed an amazing shadow work method. It is about how to reach your full potential in life, heal your deepest fears, and discover a deeper level of happiness and joy that is available to us all. She helped me get unstuck, leading me on a magical journey through the world of meditation, shamanism and discovering my own inner wisdom. I highly recommend this method to everyone, she changed my life in the most amazing ways and she can change yours too!!!
Edward Darby
I would highly recommend this if you are feeling stuck in your life, repeating the same relationship with different people, have a need for purpose and understanding, and want to realize who and what you really are.
Michelle Pacher
Retired High School Principal
The Golden Shadow Method is a multi-faceted approach to the discovery and re-discovery of one's hidden and forgotten treasures and abilities. It's messy and exciting work and the thing I like best about Melanie's approach is she gifts you with the ability to examine the dark shadow without shame or blame, discovering long-buried talents in the process! I am currently enrolled in the Jung & the Shadow three month online immersion program with Melanie. It is powerful to have her guidance and mentor calls as we apply her techniques individually and as a group.
Karen Carroll
Physical Therapist
Melanie's program Jung & the Shadow continues to allow me to open "doors" to myself I didn't know existed long after its completion!
Tiffany Walker
Massage Therapist & Permaculture Educator
In the midst of great change and chaos on our planet, Melanie provides an anchor to the turbulent waters above our heads. She confidently leads you to find your own truths using modern and ancient techniques that strengthen authenticity with oneself.
Joan Biggs
Designer
I have come to understand my Dark Shadow as a source of wisdom and compassion that lead me to embrace all my gifts and love in my Golden Shadow. Jung & the Shadow helped me to peel away the confusion and create a beautiful, peaceful life. It changes the way you see yourself and the world!
MELANIE RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Bring Beauty into the World
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