Madison Brightwell, RCC

About Madison

I offer a creative and supportive approach to therapy, helping clients navigate life’s challenges and build the skills needed for meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to provide practical tools that support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and greater balance in everyday life. Clients often appreciate my warm, accepting style and my genuine belief in their capacity for growth. I enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and challenges with self-confidence. The following are my key focus areas: Trauma, PTSD & C-PTSD: I have extensive experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, including complex trauma and childhood adversity. I previously worked at a trauma center in Los Angeles using integrated somatic approaches and am certified in EMDR (since 2015). EMDR can be a powerful tool for helping clients process difficult memories and experiences when traditional talk therapy alone is not enough. Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Phobias: I help clients develop practical tools to manage anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. My background in hypnotherapy allows me to work with fears that may originate at a subconscious level, while also teaching grounding and nervous-system regulation techniques that help clients stay present and regain a sense of control. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: I worked at the Westwood Institute for OCD, a specialized clinic supporting individuals experiencing severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. My work focused on helping clients reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours through individualized and creative treatment approaches. Addiction and Substance Abuse: I have worked extensively in addiction treatment settings, including residential and intensive outpatient programs, and previously served as clinical director for two treatment facilities. My approach combines motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural strategies, and creative therapies to help individuals move toward lasting recovery and a healthier relationship with themselves. Chronic Pain: I have worked with many individuals experiencing chronic pain that persists without a clear medical cause. Through my work in pain management clinics, I developed a strong interest in the mind-body connection and use therapeutic approaches that help clients reduce the impact of pain and regain a sense of control over their lives. Relationship Challenges: When working with individuals or couples experiencing relationship difficulties, I often draw from Non-Violent Communication principles to help people better understand their needs and communicate more effectively. I also developed a coaching program called Breaking the Cycle, which helps clients recognize and change recurring relationship patterns. Self-Esteem & Disordered Eating: Struggles with body image and self-esteem can affect many areas of life and are often shaped by patterns of negative self-talk developed over time. I help clients explore these beliefs and build greater self-acceptance and confidence. I also support individuals who struggle with emotional eating or disordered relationships with food. Life Transitions & Stress: Major life transitions such as divorce, career changes, relocation, or retirement can feel overwhelming. In therapy, I help clients navigate these changes while developing the inner resources needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. Therapeutic Approaches: EMDR, Hypnotherapy, CBT, ACT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, and IFS. Populations: Adults (18+), Couples. Specializations: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, Panic Attacks, Phobias, OCD, Substance Use, Chronic Pain, Relationship Challenges, Self-Esteem, Disordered Eating, Life Transitions, Stress, and Men’s Mental Health. Education and Experience: I have been working as a therapist since 2006 and bring nearly two decades of clinical experience. I hold a Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University (Magna Cum Laude, 2017) and trained in hypnotherapy at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in California, graduating with special honours in 2007. I became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2014 and have also held licenses in North Carolina, Washington, and Oregon. My experience includes work in addiction treatment, chronic pain clinics, hospital settings such as Kaiser Permanente, and residential treatment programs. I have also spent nearly six years providing online therapy through Spring Health, where I received their Gold Award for exceptional service to clients. Cultural Perspective: I am originally from the UK and lived in the United States for nearly 30 years before recently moving to Canada. With a mixed European and Middle Eastern background, and having lived in several countries including England, Italy, Austria, and the U.S., I bring a multicultural perspective to my work and enjoy connecting with clients from diverse backgrounds. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 20 years as a professional actress and continue to enjoy creative pursuits such as singing, writing, painting, and dance. My background in the arts often informs my work, helping clients reconnect with their creativity and inner resources as part of the healing process. Beyond the Work: I recently moved to Victoria and feel grateful to live in such a beautiful city that offers both vibrant culture and easy access to nature. My husband and I enjoy hiking and exploring local trails. I’m also very creative and enjoy theatre, swing and ballroom dancing, and working on my latest novel. My love of nature extends to gardening and animals, and I’m hoping we’ll adopt a cat soon — otherwise I’ll continue watching kitten videos on YouTube.