Therapist Feature: Megan Fordon

It’s time for our monthly therapist feature! Each month, we shine the spotlight on one of our amazing therapists so you can get to know them better—both inside and outside of the therapy room. This is your chance to learn about their unique specialties, the approaches they bring to therapy, and even some fun facts about their lives!

At Bright Spot Counseling, we believe the client-therapist connection is key, and what better way to deepen that connection than by introducing you to the wonderful people who make our practice so special?

This month let’s get to know Megan Fordon, LLMSW. Megan is a fresh therapist dedicated to understanding the unique challenges facing young adults and adults. Megan understands that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why she blends EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Further, Megan also uses Radically Open-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), a type of therapy that supports her clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism.

What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you choose your specific area of specialization? What personal experiences have shaped your approach to therapy and your understanding of mental health?

My journey into therapy began with personal experience. Growing up, I grappled with my own mental health challenges and the frustrations of working with therapists who lacked the understanding and support I needed. The impersonal approach often found in traditional therapy was isolating, and I still remember the feeling of sharing something vulnerable only to be met with silence or a dismissive nod. Witnessing the struggles of loved ones and peers, including the tragic loss of individuals to suicide and drug overdoses, solidified my desire to make a difference in the field. I understand firsthand the overwhelming pain of feeling alone, and I’m passionate about helping young people avoid that isolation.

Since beginning my career as a therapist, my specialization has evolved through working closely with clients. I’ve developed a deep understanding of how attachment styles, family dynamics, genetics, and childhood traumas shape our mental health. Helping clients recognize that their struggles are not a result of personal flaws, but rather, adaptive responses to past experiences, has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth and resilience is the most fulfilling aspect of my work.

Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or resource that influences your therapeutic approach or personal growth?

A book that saved me: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
A book that changed my therapeutic approach: Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
A book that helped me grow as a therapist: The Power of Attachment by Diane Poole Heller
Favorite Podcasts:
- Attachment Theory in Action
- Mental Illness Happy Hour
- Where Should We Begin?
- Back From the Borderline
- Diary Of a CEO
- Personology
- Invisibilia

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

For a deep dive into psychology and mental health:

1. Carl Jung: His psychoanalytical approach, theories on shadows and dreams, and other taboo topics that were discarded during his time, have always intrigued me. I’d love to delve deeper into his insights and ideas.

2. Mary Ainsworth: As the founder of Attachment theory, I’m curious to hear her firsthand perspectives on the development of healthy relationships and the impact of early attachment styles.

3. Marsha Linehan: Her work on Borderline Personality Disorder and the creation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy have been groundbreaking. I’d be interested in discussing her mental health experiences, approaches to healing, and the importance of validating clients’ experiences.

For a more casual and personal conversation:

1. Kurt Cobain: His music and writing resonated deeply with me during my struggles with depression, providing a sense of validation and understanding.

2. George Harrison: His spiritual journey away from the spotlight as a Beatle and into alternative healing modalities have always inspired me. I’d love to discuss his experiences and insights.

3. Taylor Swift: Her music has offered words to the intense emotional experiences and relationship hardships since day one. Her writing beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions, and I’d love to hear her perspective on the healing power of music and how it’s helped her over the years.