I'm Erica Madge, a dedicated therapist located in the Philadelphia area. My practice is grounded in a thoughtful fusion of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a genuine appreciation for the complexities of human emotions. Through empathetic guidance and professional expertise, I create a safe space for individuals looking to navigate their paths toward personal growth. As a therapist who understands the power of resilience, I am more than just a professional - I am a partner on your path to recovery. I bring to our sessions a deep empathy and understanding, born from my own journey of overcoming adversity. My personal experience with disability has shaped my approach, allowing me to relate to your struggles and empower you to find your unique strengths.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The initial session is a crucial step in our therapeutic journey. As your therapist, my primary goal is to create a warm and non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. We'll discuss the reasons bringing you to therapy, explore your goals and expectations, and begin to build a collaborative understanding of your unique experiences. During this session, I'll provide information about the therapeutic process, confidentiality, and answer any questions you may have. We'll also discuss what approaches or techniques might be beneficial based on your needs. It's an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to determine if you feel comfortable continuing that journey together. Ultimately, the initial session sets the foundation, emphasizing trust, empathy, and a shared commitment to you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
1. Lived Experience: As your therapist, one of my key strengths is my own lived experience with disability, which has cultivated a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Having faced my own challenges, I approach our sessions with a unique perspective, recognizing the courage it takes to navigate personal struggles. This shared humanity creates a space where you can feel truly seen and heard, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity. 2. Commitment to Autonomy and Respect: Central to my therapeutic approach is a deep commitment to your autonomy and the utmost respect for your unique journey. I believe in collaborating with you rather than dictating solutions. Your experiences, values, and goals guide our work together, and I strive to create a therapeutic environment where your voice is not only heard but actively incorporated into the decision-making process. This commitment ensures that the therapeutic journey is tailored to your individual needs, promoting a sense of ownership and empowerment. 3. Ongoing Personal Growth as a Therapeutic Value: I am dedicated to my own ongoing personal and professional growth, recognizing its significance in providing you with the best possible support. By staying informed about the latest therapeutic approaches, engaging in continuous education, and reflecting on my own experiences, I ensure that our sessions are enriched with evolving insights and effective strategies. This commitment to growth extends to our work together, where I encourage and support your own journey of self-discovery and personal development.
About Erica Madge
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
- Together, we'll frame our conversations in a positive light. I'm here to actively listen to your experiences, highlighting moments of resilience, coping, and personal strengths. This positive framing aims to instill a sense of empowerment and hope right from the start. - I believe in collaboration, and that includes setting goals together. Your input is crucial in identifying and articulating your aspirations. By involving you in this process, we ensure that our objectives align with your values, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. - Let's explore and acknowledge the personal resources and coping strategies you've used in the past. Recognizing these strengths is key, as it reinforces the idea that you have internal tools ready for positive change. - Our journey involves self-reflection and increased self-awareness. Together, we'll delve into your strengths and abilities, fostering a deeper understanding of how these qualities can be harnessed to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. - I want to highlight your resilience and potential for growth. By exploring past instances of overcoming adversity, we'll work on instilling confidence in your ability to navigate current challenges and build a more positive future.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- In CBT, we'll start by exploring the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we'll uncover patterns and identify how certain thoughts might be influencing your emotions and actions. - We'll work collaboratively to pinpoint any thought patterns or beliefs that might be contributing to challenges you're facing. This awareness is a crucial first step toward making positive changes. - Once we identify those patterns, we'll work on challenging and restructuring those thoughts. I'll guide you through a process of examining evidence, considering alternative perspectives, and developing more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. - CBT is action-oriented, so we'll explore how your thoughts and feelings impact your behaviors. Together, we'll develop practical strategies to modify behaviors that may be contributing to your challenges, helping you build healthier habits. - CBT equips you with practical skills for coping with stressors and solving problems effectively. We'll work on developing a toolbox of strategies that you can use in real-life situations to manage emotions and navigate difficulties. - Between sessions, you may be encouraged to engage in specific exercises or activities to reinforce what we discuss in our sessions. This homework is designed to integrate the skills and insights gained during our sessions into your daily life.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
- In DBT, we start by establishing mindfulness as a foundation. Together, we'll explore techniques to increase awareness of the present moment, fostering a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward your experiences. - We'll delve into understanding and regulating emotions. Through DBT, you'll gain insights into your emotional experiences and learn practical skills to manage intense feelings, promoting a healthier emotional balance. - Life throws challenges our way, and DBT provides effective strategies for tolerating distress. We'll work on developing skills to navigate crises, endure difficult situations, and avoid impulsive reactions. - Relationships play a significant role in our well-being. DBT focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills, helping you communicate more effectively, set boundaries, and navigate conflicts in a way that aligns with your values. - DBT encourages finding the "middle path" between acceptance and change. We'll explore balancing acceptance of yourself and your current situation with the commitment to making positive changes, fostering a sense of control and agency.
Eclectic
As a therapist, describing myself as eclectic is reflective of the personalized and flexible nature of my approach. Just as each client is unique, their needs vary, and employing a diverse range of therapeutic techniques allows me to tailor interventions to best meet individual requirements. This eclectic approach enables me to draw from various modalities, ensuring that our therapeutic journey is dynamic, responsive, and finely tuned to the specific challenges and goals of each client. It's about crafting a therapeutic experience that is as unique as each person seeking support.