LPC, 13 years of experience
Hi, I’m Erica. I’m a therapist in the Philadelphia area who believes healing is rarely neat, linear, or Instagram-perfect. My approach blends evidence-based tools with an honest appreciation for how complicated, funny, painful, and beautiful being human can be. I offer a grounded, judgment-free space for people who want to understand themselves better, break old patterns, or simply breathe a little easier. As someone living with a disability, I don’t use the word “resilience” lightly. I understand what it means to navigate life with both strength and limitation, and I bring that lived insight into my work—not as a badge of honor, but as a way of connecting with people from a place of truth. I show up as a therapist, yes, but also as a real person who knows what it feels like to keep moving even when things are heavy.
Our first session is simple: we get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you here, what you’re hoping for, and what support might look like. I’ll explain how I work, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable, respected, and in control of your own process. This time is about building trust and making sure the fit feels right, not rushing into anything or pretending you have it all figured out.
Lived Understanding I know what it’s like to face hardship from the inside. My experience with disability gives me a grounded, no-nonsense understanding of struggle, persistence, and the kind of growth that doesn’t always look shiny. I meet people where they are: with empathy, clarity, and no pity. Respect for Your Autonomy Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about understanding you. I follow your pace, your boundaries, and your definition of change. We collaborate, not prescribe. Curiosity & Continuous Learning I’m always learning, both professionally and personally. I bring updated skills, awareness, and a willingness to reflect so that you get care that is thoughtful, flexible, and genuinely useful.
I’m especially well-suited to support people navigating: • Complex trauma and CPTSD • Disability or chronic illness • Medical trauma • Addiction and recovery • Identity shifts and major life transitions • Feeling misunderstood, “too much,” or overlooked in other therapy spaces I also welcome folks from marginalized communities who want a therapist who sees all of who they are: your identity, humor, pain, resilience, and humanity. My style is collaborative, direct, and deeply grounded in empathy. You don’t need to show up polished, you just need to show up.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
3 ratings with written reviews
August 25, 2025
Erica is extremely kind, thoughtful, and direct.
August 13, 2025
Thank you for your help with our relationship. It helps us both to figure this out together!
April 30, 2025
Erica Madge is all of these things! She’s been an inspiration and a helping hand to me for years now. I feel so lucky to have her insight and her support. She is Humorous , Open Minded, Warm, Authentic, Holistic, Empowering, Direct and Challenging as well as Solution Oriented and Incredibly Intelligent. Erica is an Amazing Therapist and Human Being.