Therapy Services
Therapy with Dr. Madison
Whether you are navigating a major life transition, feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or struggling in a relationship with someone you love, therapy can offer a space for greater understanding and change. In my work as a therapist, I prioritize the relationship between my clients and me. I believe therapy works better when we feel connected and are collaborating towards the defined goals. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am interested in the whole person (past, present, future). I believe our past experiences and interpersonal relationships play a huge role in our functioning today. The goal of therapy is to have a deeper understanding of oneself and, therefore, more flexibility to make choices that feel true to you. I believe you are the expert in your own life. My job is to help empower you through greater self-awareness and practical coping skills.
Over the years, I have found poor self-esteem to be at the root of many of my clients’ distress. This doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. It may look like relationship difficulties, impulsive behaviors, depressive symptoms, or increased anxiety. Self-compassion, therefore, has become an important part of the work I do. Self-compassion isn’t letting ourselves “off the hook” for problematic behavior. Rather, it gives us insight into who we are and why we do what we do. Then, it gives us the energy to heal and grow.
Individual Therapy
I especially enjoy working with adults in their 20s through 40s who are navigating significant life transitions, whether that's a career change, a shift in relationships, a move to a new place, or another season of change. Oftentimes, a significant life change can bring up past hurts or trauma and force us to confront things we may have been avoiding (you’re not alone; I’ve been here too). I hope to come alongside you and ask the right questions that bring you to a greater understanding of who you are and where you want to be. Are you considering changing jobs after over a decade in the same field? Are you struggling to connect with your spouse after years of marriage? Are you learning things about your childhood that you never knew before? Are you questioning or doubting your faith or religious system? You don’t have to work through these questions alone. Let’s chat through it together.
I also have a particular interest in supporting individuals who are in a relationship with—or are the adult child of—someone who is emotionally immature. These relationships can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, unseen, or as though there is little room for your own needs and experiences. If you find yourself struggling to navigate a relationship with a loved one while feeling like there isn't much emotional space for you, this may be an area worth exploring together in therapy.
Couples Therapy
In couples therapy, I work to identify patterns that no longer serve you and your partner. We will work together to fight against the problem (which, believe it or not, is not actually your partner). I will help you and your partner develop understanding and compassion for one another through focused communication exercises. We will work together to establish new patterns and communication styles in place of the old ones that have not been working.
As the “third party” in the room, I will also gently call out each partner when I notice a behavior that is harmful/not helpful. My goal is for both parties to feel seen and understood by me, and eventually, by one another as well. As with individual therapy, we are in it together! It may feel like wading through the weeds at first, but eventually, we will begin to feel a shift into clarity.
Specialities
Anxiety
Depression
Emotionally Immature Partners/Parents
Spirituality & Religious Trauma
Life Transitions
Relationship Difficulties
Social Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Frequently Asked Questions -
My regular rate for 50 minute individual therapy is $230, and couples therapy is $250. I have a limited number of sliding scale spots as well.
-
At this time I do not take insurance but can provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
-
I offer telehealth sessions to clients in Georgia. I will be opening a physical location in the Marietta/Smyrna area as well (stay tuned).
-
Our first session will consist of getting to know one another and talking about what is bringing you to therapy right now. My goal for the first session - and every session for that matter - is connection. I want us to both walk way feeling like we are a good fit for one another!
-
As you can probably guess, the answer to this question is “it depends.” I have some clients with very straightforward goals that can be accomplished in 6 months, and other clients who have presenting concerns that are more open-ended, and we see each other for 1-3 years. As with anything in therapy, we will always have conversations about when you feel ready to “fly the nest” of therapy.
-
This is often something we can begin exploring together in a free 15-minute consultation. I am assessing whether your presenting concerns are something I feel comfortable with and if our styles match. This call is also for you to assess how you would feel working with me. If we choose to move forward with an intake session, I often encourage clients to take 2-3 sessions before determining if a therapist is a good fit or not.