Erica Madge
Erica Madge
(she/her)
Hi, I’m Erica Madge, a therapist based in the Philadelphia area. My practice blends evidence-based techniques with a deep appreciation for the messy, beautiful complexity of human emotion. I offer a compassionate and grounded space for people seeking to heal, grow, and better understand themselves. As someone who lives with a disability, I don’t just talk about resilience—I live it. My personal experiences inform my work in powerful ways, allowing me to connect with clients through both professional expertise and lived understanding. I show up to each session not only as a therapist, but as a fellow human navigating life’s challenges. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, strength, and meaningful change.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first meeting is about building connection and comfort. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to get out of it, and how we might work together to support your goals. I’ll also share more about how I work, answer your questions, and help set the tone for a collaborative, judgment-free relationship. This session is all about creating a foundation of trust—and making sure this feels like the right fit for you. 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.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
🔹 Lived Experience I know what it means to face hardship from the inside out. My experience living with a disability has given me unique insight into struggle, survival, and growth. That perspective helps me meet clients where they are—with empathy, not pity, and with hope that’s grounded in reality. 🔹 Respect for Autonomy Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding you. I deeply respect your voice, values, and pace. We’ll work together to identify what healing looks like for you, not according to any formula or expectation. 🔹 Lifelong Learning Just as I encourage clients to grow, I’m committed to evolving in my own work. I regularly engage in continuing education, stay up to date on the latest research, and reflect on how my own insights can support yours. You can count on me to bring fresh tools, open-mindedness, and honesty into each session.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating: • Complex trauma and CPTSD • Living with disabilities • Medical trauma or chronic illness • Addiction and recovery I also welcome people who identify as part of marginalized communities, including those who may have felt overlooked or misunderstood in traditional therapy spaces. If you’re looking for a therapist who sees the whole of who you are—your identity, your pain, your humor, and your strength—we might be a good match. My style is collaborative, direct, and grounded in empathy. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to be willing to start.
About Erica Madge
I identify as
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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.
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.