New to Grow
Hello! I am happy that you are looking for a qualified professional to help you with your needs. My name is Erik Hedlund and I have been a therapist and substance use counselor for 11 years. I have worked with individuals, couples, and groups in private practice outpatient settings as well as in residential care for those with severe mental illness.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
You will always be met with warmth, empathy, respect, and an open mind. During our first session, I will gather as much information as I can about you, what you are struggling with, and what you want to achieve from therapy. We will set goals together, and I will work collaboratively with you in helping you achieve your goals. You should leave each session feeling a little bit better than you did when you came in. You will gain new insights and identify ways to challenge any unhealthy and unproductive thoughts that may exist.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am confident that you will succeed in meeting your goals and start living the life that you truly desire. I excelled in my masters program, have extensive experience as a therapist for 11 years, and many of the things my clients are struggling with I have also personally struggled with in my personal life. I bring not only the educational aspect to my clients but real world personal experience as well.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have experience helping people in managing substance use and various addictions, eating disorders, anger management, anxiety, depression, adjusting to everyday life transitions, relationship issues, and coping with loss. My ability to guide my clients on their journey will empower them to live the lifestyle they truly desire.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is utilized to challenge unhealthy and negative thoughts and thought patterns that you may have about yourself, others, and the world around you. We will work to identify any cognitive distortions that exists with the goal of reframing those negative thoughts into healthier and more productive ones.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is utilized for a variety of different reasons. This approach can help you with regulating your emotions, improving relationships with others as well as with yourself and learning how to stand up for yourself and set boundaries. With DBT, we will also use mindfulness to manage distressing thoughts and emotions that show up and help you stay focused on one thing at a time. Distress tolerance skills will also be taught as well as many other skills to help you live the meaningful life you desire.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered therapy style that helps you find your own motivation to change behaviors, especially when you feel ambivalent (stuck between wanting and not wanting to change). Instead of telling someone what to do, I utilize empathy, open-ended questions, and reflective listening to help you explore your own reasons for change while strengthening your commitment to making healthier choices.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology therapy is a strengths-based approach focusing on building well-being, happiness, and resilience by identifying and using personal strengths, positive emotions like gratitude and hope, and virtues, rather than solely focusing on fixing problems. It complements traditional therapy by shifting from "What's wrong" to "What's going right" to help people flourish, find meaning, and create more fulfilling lives.