Hi, I'm Erika! If you're reading this, congrats on taking your first step toward change by seeking a therapist. How exciting! And also maybe nerve-racking, as anything new can be. You can expect our first session to be a laid-back conversation that allows me to get to know you and your goals, gives you an opportunity to ask questions, and allows you to see if we might be a good fit to work together. I can't promise to have all the answers, but I can serve as your guide as we tackle obstacles together and build upon your strengths. I look forward to meeting you! **Some additional time slots not listed on calendar may be available upon request** Experience: While working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I have worked with very diverse populations of adults and adolescents, addressing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, BFRBs, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, terminal illness, disabilities, family conflict, suicidal ideation, and more.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In sessions, you can expect to feel comfortable expressing yourself freely, without worrying about having to say the "right" thing or present yourself in a certain way. You can expect me to be nonjudgmental, empathetic, and genuine. I will provide you with tools and skills to help you maintain the progress we've made even after our time together has concluded.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as motivational interviewing, strength-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) components, & positive psychotherapy. In short, CBT is a structured therapy that focuses on how thoughts, feelings, & behaviors are interrelated and how to change thought patterns that are unhelpful to us. I also value a person-centered approach, which emphasizes the importance of the client-therapist relationship. This approach believes that you, the client, are the expert on your own life experiences and a therapist acts as a support to assist you in uncovering new insights and discovering solutions. As each client is unique and ever-evolving, I encourage feedback and modify my approach as needed.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a Social Worker, in addition to having clinical skills and experience, I maintain an awareness of systemic/social issues that impact mental health and feel this is one of my unique strengths. I am also sex-positive, an LGBTQIA+ ally, and a fan of memes.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
any age or gender identity. but especially ages 18-26 and 50+. anxiety, depression, OCD, hair-pulling/skin-picking, life stage transitions (college, end of relationships, retirement, etc.)