I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I graduated from USC with my Masters in Social Work. I have been practicing for 7 years and have extensive experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. Over the years, I’ve worked with youth, young adults, and adults who have been dealing with anxiety, navigating mental health struggles, grief, and trauma. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, warm, humorous, and tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, and trauma-informed care. I aim to empower my clients by helping them process past experiences, build resilience, and create meaningful changes that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include creating a safe and supportive environment, using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and CBT, and tailoring care to each client’s unique needs. I have extensive experience working with trauma clients and providing crisis intervention. Additionally, I focus on identifying physical symptoms and exploring the root causes of somatic experiences to support holistic healing and resilience.
About Erika Esquivel
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
As an LCSW, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients work through distressing memories or experiences that may be affecting their present lives. EMDR helps your brain process these memories in a new, healthier way, so they lose the emotional grip they once had. I have three years of experience with EMDR, have trained twice in this modality, and regularly attend ongoing trainings and conferences to continue building my skills. My goal is to guide you through this process in a supportive and compassionate way, at a pace that feels right for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be holding you back and work on practical strategies to create meaningful change. CBT is a collaborative and goal-oriented approach that focuses on building skills you can use in everyday life. My aim is to provide a supportive space where you feel empowered to take steps toward the life you want.
Trauma Informed Care
In trauma-informed therapy, the focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel empowered and understood. This approach recognizes how trauma can impact every aspect of life and works to help you regain a sense of control and resilience. Together, we’ll move at a pace that honors your needs and strengths, building trust and healing along the way.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy provides a compassionate space for processing loss and the complex emotions that come with it. Everyone’s grief journey is unique, and this approach honors your experience while helping you find ways to heal and move forward. Together, we’ll explore your feelings, memories, and hopes, working toward a place of comfort and peace at your own pace.
Narrative
Narrative therapy is about helping you find your voice and reframe the stories you tell yourself about your life and experiences. By exploring these narratives, we work together to identify and challenge limiting beliefs while highlighting your strengths and values. The goal is to help you create a more empowering story that reflects the person you truly want to be.