Therapist Spotlight: Carly McDade, LMFT
Carly McDade, LMFT is a compassionate therapist that encourages clients to pay attention to the mind body connection. Carly offers individual, couples, and family therapy in Center City, Philadelphia. Carly also offers yoga throughout the Philadelphia area.
What made you become a therapist?
After undergrad, I started out in Boston as a Preschool Teacher. I adored working with the children, although teaching did not seem to fit my developing interests. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the families, engaging with them outside of the classroom whenever possible, and getting to know their diverse cultural backgrounds & experiences. I especially loved seeing how the children’s relationship with their parents/caregivers transformed as the years progressed. Also, on a personal level, I am the 2nd oldest of 4 children, and have always resonated with an open curiosity of how others operate. Humans have such amazing potential!
What are your specialties?
I specialize in supporting clients who struggle with anxiety or stress management, particularly as it relates to experiences of grief/loss, trauma, or other unexpected life circumstances. My additional training as a yoga instructor informs the mind/body techniques I often invite into treatment, which can help cultivate clients’ levels of self-awareness and an ability to live more presently.
Why do you believe therapy can help?
My view on therapy is that it is another tool for your backpack. It does not need to be your only method of support, but it can provide you a space to safely process & release tensions that negatively impact your life, without judgment from the other person in the room. I believe strongly that in order to live within a frame of wellness, we must connect with others; and while therapy is not about giving advice, it offers more than casual conversation – which we already have with our friends & family. I believe therapy empowers you to take ownership of dismantling whatever barriers present in your life, as well as explore the ways in which you can live most authentically.
What are some books that inspire you?
The Body Keeps the Score, by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk; Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver; When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi
What are your favorite self care activities?
To take care of myself, I love to incorporate yoga, breath & meditation, hiking, walking my dogs, reading, cooking, and taking naps when I make time for them.