MELANIE RYAN

Spiritual Teacher

Psychotherapist

Wilderness Skills Educator

Melanie Ryan is an author and founder of The Golden Shadow Method. She is renowned Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist.

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 teachings of mystics, alchemists, philosophers, Buddhists, and shamans. Here we begin to discover all the positive qualities that have been lost and hidden.

Secrets of the Golden Shadow is the second level training taking you deeper into the study of the ancient texts, Buddhist meditation, metaphysics, quantum physics, working with past lives, ancestral trauma, and recovering deeply hidden gifts and powers.

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 a Buddhist teacher, psychotherapist, writer, and wilderness skills educator. She is the founder of The Golden Shadow Method. Melanie’s unique contribution to humanity comes from the state of advanced spiritual awareness. Her work is inspired by metaphysicians, Buddhist masters, indigenous elders, and scholars around the world.

Melanie entered the field of psychology to alleviate suffering in the world. She worked as a psychotherapist for thirty years, bringing the soul back into psychotherapy as it was in ancient times. The ancient 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. The Golden Shadow Method is a journey into the heart and soul to restore the gifts that have been hidden and buried.

Melanie Ryan graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Hartford, CT in 1992. She then graduated with a dual master’s degree in clinical social work and clinical research from Fordham University in New York in 1995. Melanie worked with schizophrenics, addicts, criminals, and severely ill individuals. She became a certified alcohol and substance abuse specialist (CASAC), and worked as a certified addiction specialist for 20 years.

In 1999, Melanie’s life path shifted as she began studying yoga. After years of practice, she was certified as a 200hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher through Cyndi Lee at OM Yoga in NYC. Melanie found Buddhism through her yoga teacher training and became a committed Buddhist practitioner. During this time, Melanie discovered shamanism, the oldest healing practice known to the planet and began a private apprenticeship with a shaman. She also became certified as a past life regression therapist with Dr. Brian Weiss, MD which opened the doors to the world of spirit and her own soul. She then became a world traveler, seeking the hidden knowledge and ancient wisdom of our world.

Melanie is an authorized Buddhist Teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist lineage, Shambhala Tradition founded by the renowned Buddhist master, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. She took her Buddhist Vows with Acharya Judy Lief of the Shambhala Tradition. Over the years Melanie was mentored by Natalie Baker, David Nichtern, and Derek Kolleeny. She is currently a student of Vajrayana Buddhism & Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.

Melanie has studied various shamanic traditions. She studies the Bön tradition with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Vajrayana Buddhism. Melanie also studied Mayan astrology for many years and completed a yearlong training in Mayan Ceremonies. Melanie served as faculty for Shamanic Reiki Worldwide with Llyn Roberts and Stacey Gibbons and Secretary of Olympic Mountain Earth Wisdom Circle, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the wisdom of indigenous people around the world. Melanie later discovered Children of the Earth and the Tracker School, founded by Tom Brown Jr. of the lineage of Apache elder, Grandfather Stalking Wolf. Melanie trained as a Vision Quest Protector with Malcolm Ringwalt, an elder in this lineage.

Melanie is a member of The Center of Applied Jungian Studies Mystery School and the Jungian Association of Western Massachusetts. She studied in Greece with renowned Jungian scholar, Edward Tick, PhD., an expert in applying archetypal therapy and Asklepian Dream Incubation for healing PTSD among combat war veterans.

Melanie and her husband Andy Steigmeier were the owners and founders of the award-winning Center for Health & Healing in the Hudson Valley of NY. She studies holistic and naturopathic medicine with pioneer Dr. Marizelle Arce, ND of the New Terrain Model. Melanie also studies Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Nida, a traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig branch of medicine.

Melanie’s mantra: “Never Stop Learning.”

MELANIE'S TESTIMONIALS

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.

Sheri Perlman, OT, LCSW

Neuro-psychoanalytical Informed Trauma Therapist

When a person experiences trauma, it is “soul crushing”. They often disconnect from their body and the accompanying feelings get frozen inside. Melanie is a Master at facilitating integration of these missing parts of the wounded soul that are split off during trauma so one can feel whole and vibrant. Her trigger work and Golden Shadow work are gentle and healing of disintegrated trauma in an unequaled way. As her student and as a psychotherapist myself, I can attest to the fact that her work is transformative and gentle and reaches the inner world in a way that other kinds of talk therapy and trauma therapy cannot. I highly recommend that all therapists learn from her work. Your patients will heal more quickly and less painfully than imaginable. This work is moving, healing, meaningful and enlightening to everyone who experiences it.

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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