Melanie Ryan, LCSW, is an expert in holistic health, consciousness, and ancient wisdom traditions. She is the founder of The Golden Shadow Method, a path of spiritual transformation and healing that integrates depth psychology, shamanism, Buddhism, and natural medicine. Her work bridges the ancient and the modern—illuminating the original purpose of healing as a sacred, soulful act of awakening.
With decades of study in mysticism, metaphysics, and cross-cultural wisdom, Melanie has trained with elders, shamans, and spiritual masters across Guatemala, Greece, Bhutan, and the Scottish Highlands. She draws from a global “web of light,” preserving and sharing the timeless teachings of Earth Medicine and Spirit to help others reconnect to love, beauty, and the wisdom of the soul.
Melanie began her professional career after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hartford and a dual master’s degree in clinical social work and clinical research from Fordham University in New York. For over twenty years, she worked in hospitals and rehabilitation centers as a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC), serving individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness, and trauma. Disillusioned by a broken healthcare system, she turned toward ancient healing traditions to rediscover the true essence of medicine and the soul’s journey toward wholeness.
Rooted in the understanding that “to heal is to connect with the heart and soul,” Melanie’s teachings embody the original Greek meaning of psychology—the study of the soul. Through The Golden Shadow Method, she guides others to integrate light and shadow, awaken consciousness, and live in harmony with Spirit.
Melanie is trained in yoga, Reiki, past life regression therapy, naturopathic and Tibetan medicine, Jungian studies, and shamanic practices from diverse lineages. She has studied under renowned teachers including Dr. Edward Tick, Acharya Judy Lief, and Dr. Marizelle Arce, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, and continues her spiritual study in the Bön and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. She is an authorized Buddhist teacher in the Shambhala lineage founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
In 2023, Melanie’s life was transformed by the sudden passing of her son, Justin Bodhi Steigmeier. His transition opened new depths of spiritual awakening, guiding her to study the mysteries of death, the afterlife, and the wisdom of heartbreak. Through this profound experience, Melanie continues to teach how grief can become a doorway to unconditional love and illumination.
Today, Melanie and her husband Andy Steigmeier live in the mountains of northern Georgia near Cherokee National Forest, where they lead retreats, healing workshops, and educational programs on spirituality, consciousness, and Earth wisdom. Together, they cultivate a life of simplicity, reverence, and devotion to the sacred unity of all beings.
Norm Marshall, Vermont
Vermont Engineer
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, New York
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, New York
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.
TESTIMONIALS
John Parssinen, New York
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, MA, LMSW, New York
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 transmuting triggers. I became aware of many unconscious wounded versions of myself who were holding feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fear. I learned how to love and integrate these wounded parts. As a result, I have lost 114 pounds, been promoted at my job, and have become happy, creative, playful, grounded, and clear. I used to be triggered all the time and now I am not. Melanie provides such a loving and nurturing container! I now feel I can manifest my dreams.
Dena M. Daigle, Louisiana
Spiritual Alchemist & Teacher
"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, Montana
Entrepreneur, Visionary
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, Florida
Retired Teacher, Death Doula, Medium, Healer
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, New York
Writer, Author
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, New York
Electrician, Healer, Evidential Medium
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, North Carolina
Retired High School Principal, Yoga Teacher
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.
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