I am a private practice psychologist serving clients in and around Riverbank, California. I am passionate about igniting purpose and passion in others, helping them to learn and grow on their journey through life. I have a diverse background, both personally and professionally, that, I believe, allows me to understand and connect with people from all walks of life. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities/techniques to meet my client’s unique treatment needs. I am dedicated to practicing from a holistic, person-centered, relational, and humanistic perspective and individualize my work with client’s to develop a treatment plan that is goal-oriented and fits each individual lifestyle. My education includes a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University and an Individualized Master of Art with a focus in trauma and addiction from Goddard College. However, I feel that my most enriching treatment/therapy qualities come from my own lived experiences and gaining a deeper understanding for others through my own life journey

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Dr. McArn offers a holistic and humanistic approach focused on a model of HOPES (Honoring, Overcoming, Persevering, Empowering, Self). Using mindfulness-based cognitive and dialectical behavior strategies in a person-centered, judge-free environment, clients gain insight and practice self-compassion in processing difficult emotions related to a variety of life challenges and are able to integrate their experiences and struggles in a healthy and meaningful way, leading to a life with a renewed sense of purpose.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Recognizing the need for support and opening the self to the healing process often takes courage, commitment, and a willingness to persevere even when the work gets tough and uncomfortable. If you are seeking a supportive and nonjudgemental environment to express and explore life difficulties, such as significant life changes/transitions, grief, loss, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, body image, and self-esteem issues, Dr. McArn is dedicated to offering an encouraging atmosphere that empowers each individual to embark on their personal path of self-discovery and healing. Dr. McArn believes that in honoring the self and embracing one’s current life journey, it is possible to overcome and/or integrate any of life’s challenges and/or significant stressors in a positive and meaningful way.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Grief and Loss: Grief and loss can have a significant impact on every aspect of an individual's life, health, and psyche. Often, those experiencing loss are expected to grieve and then "move on" and "let go," often without the understanding that the experience of losing a loved one has life long effects. I provide a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental environment conducive to the processing of loss and grief and have experience with the complicated feelings and grief associated with traumatic loss, such as loss by suicide. Body Image: The perception and view one holds of their body is an integral part of how they experience their life as it often impacts their interactions with others as well as interactions with self and their environment as it is a self-reflection of how one perceives their appearance. In addition, it contributes to self-esteem and internal thoughts of self. A negative sense of self or negative body image can significantly effect a person's ability to relate to others as well as the world around them and often leads to other mental health issues, such as depression, relationship issues, and social anxiety. Shifting perceptions of self can be hard and often takes personal commitment, self-compassion, and the willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone. Utilizing a person-centered and holistic approach, I work with clients, meeting them where they are on their journey, to develop reasonable and achievable treatment goals. Self-Esteem: Self-esteem is an intrinsic self-evaluation and internal labeling of an individual's subjective self-worth. Low self-esteem can have significant negative effects in a person's life and lead to many difficulties from challenges in interpersonal relationships to issues navigating social situations. I work closely with clients utilizing an eclectic approach to explore self-worth, promote positive self-talk/affirmations, and develop goals around improving self-esteem. Stress: Stress is a common occurrence in today's world. There are differences between 'normal' stress and chronic/prolonged stress. Chronic stress is harmful to one's health and can lead to significant health issues, both physical and psychological. It is important to identify stressors, explore factors that cause chronic stress, and develop strategies to reduce daily as well as chronic stress.

About Erica McArn