Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jordan Madison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jordan, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I am a huge advocate for self-care. I think since I am a therapist and preach so often for my clients to do the same, I try to practice what I preach and make sure I am prioritizing my self care as well. Some practical things I do for self care include only seeing clients Mondays-Thursdays, having a max limit of clients I see per day, and making sure to schedule breaks in between so that I rarely ever see more than three clients back to back. I also do my best to leave the problems of clients in the session and not keep them in my conscious too long after I close my laptop to end the day. On a daily basis, I read my Bible app to continue to develop my relationship with God, and meditate for ten minutes so that I can practice being still and present. I journal at night to process my thoughts and emotions. And my friend and I have co-created a planner (The Jam Planner) that helps me be more productive by writing out my to do lists and stay organized. While also allowing me to track my mood, build habits, and reflect on my day. All of these things have helped me to be a better person and show up for others, whether that be my clients, my family or friends. I can’t pour from an empty cup. This also helps me to take breaks and not experience burn out as often as I could be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Jordan A. Madison, and I am the owner of Therapy is my J.A.M., LLC. I am a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist in Maryland and D.C. The majority of my clients are individuals and couples, experiencing relationship distress, infidelity, stress with managing multiple roles, trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to provide clients with techniques that help them understand their past, how it’s influencing their present, and create a future they desire. Therapy is my JAM began as my instagram page, dedicated to created content around self care, healthy relationships and normalizing therapy. But it has now grown to become a registered trademark, as well as a private practice which I am extremely proud of. When I am not seeing clients or creating content, I also am a blog writer for Therapy for Black Girls. In an effort to reduce the mental health stigma in the Black community, I have also created t-shirts that say my brand name, “Therapy is my JAM ®” that are available on my website for purchase. I also authored The CBT Journal for Mental Health, which was released in March of 2022. I know there’s only so many clients I can take, so being able to create something that will help hundreds of others was really important to me. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common and science backed therapy practice that focuses on how our cognitions (thoughts) influence our behaviors and emotions, and vice versa. The journal consists of affirmations, check-ins, journal prompts, and exercises to help you address your thoughts and feelings. Recently, I have become the co-founder of The Jam Planner along with one of my best friends. We created a digital planner that will be available for purchase in November 2023, to help users organize their 2024 and set their intentions. It incorporates the my J.A.M. acronym of using Journal prompts, Affirmations, and Mindfulness to help people manage their mental health.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As a therapist, one of my biggest tools is myself. I am not a surgeon who has to use a scalpel to heal, or a lawyer who uses the legal rules and evidence to help their clients. My tool, is my personality. Me and another therapist can have the same exact training, and know the same techniques. However, it’s how I communicate these techniques and connect with the client that makes the difference. You also need to really have an ability to practice empathy and compassion. Even if you don’t agree with someone’s views, creating a space where they feel heard and safe is important and fosters a better relationship, whether it is romantic, platonic, familiar or work related.
To succeed in life it is also really important to be self aware so that you can do the work to heal yourself and practice self compassion. That way you’re able to stay objective not find yourself triggered by any and everything someone else does. The more self aware the more helpful it can be to recognize when people’s behaviors or actions are more a reflection of their own internal dialogue and little to do with you. While setting boundaries can seem selfish or hurtful to others, in reality you’re setting an example for others to be able to do the same.
The best advice I have for folks that are early in their journey is to just start, it doesn’t have to be perfect and you can learn as you go. There will always be room for growth, but having confidence in yourself is important. Write affirmations and place them where you can see them on a regular basis, or create a list of moments that remind you how gifted you are.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I have recently begun a yoga teacher training, and I will complete the training and be certified in March 2024. So I am looking to collaborate with wellness brands or wellness spaces to host events for the community. I intend to have my workshops continue to follow my J.A.M. brand and include journaling, affirmations, and movement/mindfulness in the form of a yoga practice. If anyone is looking for workshop leaders, or speakers to discuss the importance of mental health and ways to practice self care, I would love to collaborate with them. Also, since I am the author of The CBT Journal for Mental Health, if anyone is wanting to host an author or discuss a self help book, I would love to do any book signings or be a vendor and allow people the opportunity to purchase my book as well. If you are reading this and want to collaborate please feel free to follow me on Instagram at @therapyismyJAM or email me at jordan@therapyismyJAM.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therapyismyjam.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/therapyismyjam
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-madison
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/therapyismyjam
- Other: www.thejamplanner.com
Image Credits
Ambitious Ambreia Photography Duane Anthony Photography
