Inspiring Conversations with Madison Marcus-Paddison of Bright Spot Counseling

During my graduate studies at the University of Michigan, I pursued an interpersonal practice track with a primary focus on providing support to children, youth, and families. As part of my academic journey, I completed an internship at Carehouse of Oakland County, a local organization dedicated to addressing child abuse and neglect. During this time, I honed my skills as a forensic interviewer, conducting interviews for law enforcement with individuals involved in cases of suspected abuse. Throughout my internship, I came to recognize my deep-seated passion for prevention-oriented approaches rather than solely intervening in crises. This realization prompted me to make the deliberate choice to channel my skills and dedication towards working within the educational system. Upon graduation, I embarked on a career as a school social worker, serving diverse communities across Michigan, including rural, inner-city, and suburban areas.

Over the years, my professional aspirations have expanded, leading me to explore therapy as a means to broaden my skill set and reach a wider range of clients, including adults. My journey into therapy started when I took on a part-time role at Jewish Family Service, where I found profound satisfaction in working with individuals spanning various age groups and cultures, addressing a myriad of social and emotional challenges. About a year into that experience, my supervisor at Jewish Family Service left started her own private practice, Bright Spot Counseling. I made the transition from Jewish Family Service to Bright Spot and continued part-time while maintaining my role as a school social worker. After a few more years (some of them during the pandemic) and with thoughtful reflection, I made the decision to shift my career exclusively towards individual therapy, stepping away from the school system after 11 years, and I haven’t looked back.

Throughout my time at Bright Spot, I’ve diligently pursued additional training opportunities to refine my expertise, particularly in the domains of trauma, self-regulation, and mind-body modalities, such as the Emotional Freedom Technique, Brainspotting, and Flash EMDR. This ongoing commitment to professional development has enabled me to develop a niche in addressing chronic perfectionism and people-pleasing. I often find myself working closely with individuals who grapple with establishing healthy boundaries and have a history of family conflict, difficulty with vulnerability and chronic shame.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been very fortunate to have had these opportunities and I know not everyone has such a smooth transition.

One of my personal challenges has been the periodic episodes of imposter syndrome that occasionally arise. Instead of trying to suppress or resist these feelings, I try to see these instances as a chance for continuous self-improvement, self-reflection, and accountability. This approach typically involves recognizing and rectifying any mistakes I’ve made, enhancing my skills through new training opportunities, and seeking guidance from my colleagues. I believe this approach only fosters a shared sense of humanity among my clients, colleagues, and myself.

Another significant challenge I’ve faced is transitioning from an unsupportive working environment to a supportive one. At times, it doesn’t feel real. It took time to adjust and trust that this level of fulfillment in my work is a reality, and that both my supervisor and I genuinely strive for the best outcomes for both me and my clients. I must admit that I sometimes catch myself waiting for the other shoe to drop, a lingering mentality I consciously work on shedding. It’s now been several years, and I continue to feel invigorated, passionate, and energized by the work I do, so I think I can start to settle in and appreciate what I have without worrying it’s all going to dissolve.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bright Spot Counseling?
At Bright Spot, we emphasize a collaborative approach that incorporates both top-down and bottom-up modalities to help clients feel better more quickly. Our therapists are trained in traditional modalities such as ACT and CBT, as well as offering additional approaches like Brainspotting, EMDR, Flash EMDR, IFS, Heart Math, Equine Therapy, and The Safe and Sound Protocol. In addition, we have integrative psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff to provide support and management for clients’ medication needs. We also offer clinical intensives for clients seeking rapid results. One of the standout aspects of our practice is our owner, Ginger Houghton LMSW, who is genuinely dedicated to providing the best care for our clients. She recognizes the importance of happy employees in delivering their best work. She prioritizes a strong work/life balance, understanding that we can’t effectively support our clients if we neglect our own well-being. Ginger provides us with the space to practice self-care, express ourselves with clients, explore new approaches, contribute to the practice in innovative and creative ways, and foster a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. This dedication to our mission is evident to our clients, and they can feel the commitment we all share to the practice’s mission.

What were you like growing up?
Full disclosure: I had to ask my parents for their feedback on this one. My mom says I have always had unwavering optimism. One of her favorite memories to share is that when I was two years old, I stated during a torrential downpour “Isn’t it nice that we’re getting a free carwash?”. I was always looking for the silver lining and ways to solve problems. I’ve always been sensitive, empathetic, and loyal, and even early on, I would become emotional if I ever felt someone I cared for was being treated unjustly. My reaction would be as strong as if I was the one being treated poorly. Today, that still rings true. I’m fiercely protective of the things that I care about.

I was never the star athlete, but I did enjoy music (both playing (viola, ukulele) and singing) and regularly participated in youth group activities. Growing up, I was a chatty Kathy, which is pretty on the nose since I spend my day interacting with people. I would get in trouble in school for talking too much and actually spent a lot of time in detention in high school because I just couldn’t stop talking! From a young age, I always knew I wanted to help others and I’m so grateful that my path has allowed me to stay true to that.

Pricing:

• 30 min session – $120
• 45 min session – $140
• 60 min session – $160

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brightspottherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightspottherapymichigan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapyFarmingtonHills
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonmarcuspaddison/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bright-spot-counseling-farmington-hills-2
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bright-spot-counseling-farmington-hills-mi/418086