Meet Madison Marcus-Paddison

We recently connected with Madison Marcus-Paddison and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

Thanks so much for having me back, I’m excited to be here.

For self care, I prioritize my sleep and do my best to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Regular outdoor activity helps me feel connected to nature- I try to walk almost every day and move my body in some way. I try to spend as much time as I can with family and friends. I also attend a weekly yoga class focused on restoration and relaxation. I enjoy unwinding with a good book or podcast unrelated to work. If I notice my stress tolerance slipping, I take proactive steps to pull back—this may include saying no to invitations or cancelling plans. While this can be challenging, I’ve learned to cope with disappointing others so that when I do commit, I can be the best version of myself. Obviously I’m human and I have off weeks- but keeping these things in mind has enabled me to be the best version of myself for my clients and colleagues alike- I feel most effective when I am grounded in these ways.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a therapist at Bright Spot Counseling in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

At Bright Spot we focus on out of the box opportunities for clients that want to feel better faster and for those whom traditional talk therapy hasn’t been successful.

Right now I’m working on a project that I am SO excited about called “Making Meaning after Infertility”. I’ve developed a curriculum for individuals and couples alike that are interested in embracing a childless life after making the painful decision to cease their pursuit of growing their family. Bright Spot is currently planning on hosting out-of-town and local retreats as well as a 12 week support group for this population.

Navigating my own and my spouses’ decision to end our fertility journey was incredibly painful and isolating. I noticed there’s strong support for those in the midst of infertility and fertility treatments, but when people decide to stop, they often find themselves alone in figuring out what comes next. I wanted to address the “now what?” question and provide support, healing, connection with others who share this pain, and the search for hope and renewed purpose in the future.

Check out our website over the next few weeks to learn more about these opportunities. The 12-week group is likely to start in Fall 2024.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe ambition, enthusiasm, and self-awareness have been pivotal. Transitioning from the school system to private practice was driven by my realization of my potential for something more fulfilling and aligned with my passions and values. This shift allowed me to pursue a career that excites me and supports the lifestyle that brings out the best in me.

For those starting their career journey, I’d advise setting clear career goals and consistently seeking opportunities for growth. Remember to view setbacks as temporary challenges, not permanent barriers. Seek guidance from mentors, peers, or supervisors during tough times and prioritize ongoing professional development by staying current with research, trends, and best practices in your field. Above all, ensure you’re building a career and life aligned with your values, rather than seeking validation from external sources.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who struggles with perfectionism, anxiety, and feelings of never being good enough. They are proactive in therapy, willing to engage deeply in sessions and complete assigned homework. I’m passionate about helping clients overcome perfectionism and shame, fostering vulnerability and openness to positive life experiences- also those that have gone the traditional route and are looking for something different. I’m also interested in supporting individuals at the end of their fertility journey who are wanting to embrace a childless life and redefine their purpose.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tracy Mak Paddison

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