Erica Gundelfinger
Hi, I'm Erica! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of nursing experience in both critical care and mental health. My background has shaped how I approach care and given me a deeper appreciation for how closely our physical and mental health are connected. I'd describe myself as down-to-earth, approachable, and someone who genuinely enjoys getting to know people. I take my role as a provider seriously, but I don't believe our conversations need to feel stiff or overly formal. There's room for honesty, humor, questions, and even the hard conversations. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, knowing you'll be heard, respected, and involved in decisions about your care.
First session
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and better understand what brings you in. We'll start with a comprehensive mental health evaluation, where I'll ask questions about your current symptoms, mental health history, physical health, medications, and other experiences that may be affecting how you feel. The appointment is structured much like an interview, but I don't want it to feel like an interrogation or a checklist of questions. I'll guide us through different topics, giving you plenty of opportunities to share your thoughts, ask questions, or talk more about anything that feels important to you. There's room for conversation, and you don't have to worry about finding the perfect words. We'll also talk about what you're hoping to get out of treatment and what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. From there, we'll begin exploring possible next steps, including whether medication or other forms of support might be helpful. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, with a better understanding of what may be going on and where we can go from here. We may not have every answer after one appointment, and that's okay. It's a starting point, and we'll build from there.
Strengths
I think one of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with people and help them feel at ease, even when the conversation isn't easy. I take the time to listen, ask questions, and understand the bigger picture rather than jumping to conclusions or focusing only on symptoms. I'm naturally someone who likes to understand before offering advice. Sometimes that means sitting quietly, listening, and giving you space to sort through what you're feeling. Other times, it means asking a question you may not have considered or gently challenging a thought pattern that might be getting in your way. I believe there's a balance between offering support and being honest. I want you to feel comfortable exploring different perspectives and working through challenges together, without feeling pressured or judged. Above all, I want our conversations to feel genuine. A place where you can be yourself, speak openly, and know that what you're going through will be taken seriously.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who wants to better understand what they're experiencing and find a way forward, even if they're not quite sure where to start. Maybe you've been struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, or simply haven't felt like yourself lately. You might be reaching out for the first time, returning to treatment, or looking for a fresh perspective because what you've tried in the past hasn't quite worked. You don't have to have it all figured out before we meet. That's part of my job. We'll take the time to sort through what's going on, explore what may be contributing to how you're feeling, and figure out where to go from there. I enjoy working with people who value open, honest conversations and want to have a voice in their care. Whether we're exploring medication options, talking through concerns, or finding practical ways to manage everyday challenges, I believe treatment should be a collaborative process that makes sense for you and your life. Whether you're ready to make changes or still figuring out what those might look like, we'll start where you are and work toward what matters most to you.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is an approach that helps us better understand how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Sometimes, the way we think about a situation can affect how we feel and respond, often without us even realizing it. In my practice, I incorporate strategies from CBT to help you recognize patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, stress, or other challenges. We might talk through a situation that's been difficult, explore how certain thoughts are affecting you, or look at different ways to approach something that's been weighing on you. The goal isn't to tell you to "just think positively" or pretend that difficult situations aren't difficult. It's about helping you better understand your own patterns and find practical ways to navigate challenges in your everyday life. These strategies can be helpful on their own or alongside medication, depending on your needs. My goal is to give you tools and support that feel useful beyond our appointments, not just while we're talking.
Supportive
Supportive psychotherapy is an approach that gives you space to talk openly about what you're experiencing, work through challenges, and feel supported along the way. It's not just about having someone listen. It's also about building on your strengths, developing coping skills, and finding ways to navigate difficult emotions or situations. In my practice, I incorporate supportive psychotherapy strategies into our appointments by taking the time to understand what's going on in your life and how it may be affecting your mental health. Sometimes that means talking through a stressful situation, navigating a difficult relationship, adjusting to a life change, or making sense of feelings that have been hard to put into words. The goal isn't always to find an immediate solution or tell you what you should do. Sometimes it's about looking at things from a different perspective, recognizing strengths you may not give yourself credit for, or finding practical ways to move forward. Whether we're discussing medication, working through a concern, or exploring ways to cope with everyday challenges, I want you to feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and sharing what's on your mind without fear of judgment.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is an approach that helps you explore your thoughts and feelings about making changes in your life, especially when you're feeling unsure or pulled in different directions. It's based on the understanding that change isn't always easy, even when we know something might be good for us. In my practice, I incorporate motivational interviewing strategies into our appointments by taking the time to understand what matters to you, what you'd like to work toward, and what might be getting in the way. Sometimes that means talking through mixed feelings about starting medication, making changes to daily habits, managing stress, or taking steps toward a personal goal. The goal isn't to pressure you into making changes or tell you what you should do. It's about helping you sort through your options, recognize your own reasons for change, and build confidence in taking steps that feel realistic and meaningful to you. I understand that change doesn't always happen all at once, and that's okay. Whether you're ready to take the next step or still figuring out what that might look like, my role is to meet you where you are, offer guidance without judgment, and help you move forward at a pace that makes sense for you.
Location
Virtual sessions