Do you feel like you've lost your way, your purpose and identity, or just need to get back on track? Hello! My name is Erie, and I'd love to help you. Social workers typically have an interesting life story and personal experiences with tragedy that tug at our heartstrings. I am no different. At times, I wonder "how is it that I have survived these mountains and valleys?" Despite personal tragedy, loss, and despair, influential people have served as beacons of hope throughout the years in my life. To quote an innovative, and at the time, social outcast, Bill W., he stated: "there is nothing that can replace the power of one alcoholic helping another." Just as this infectious feeling of compassion spreads inside of us as we help another, I began my journey in social work in the most unlikely of places- inside the rooms of AA and NA. Along with my re-creation of self through school, internships, and certifications, I have learned one basic human tenant that would be my guiding light through the most challenging of times: people need people. I realize that this sounds a bit rudimentary, but this is the cornerstone of social work and the secret to my success in beating the statistical odds that accompany a survivor of childhood abuse, drug addiction and alcoholism, military combat trauma, and the loss of a child. So, the question stands: why am I here and what do I want? I simply want to pay it forward as many have done for me. I would have never expected to be where I am or doing what I'm doing. I personally believe that there is hope and light in the most desperate, dark places and recesses of the human soul. For that reason, I bet on the underdog, society's undeserving, and those with whom all other plans have failed. I find that my reward and inner satisfaction comes with doing for others when all else has failed and all others have given up. For this reason, I will keep doing for others, because they are worth it.

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

In our first session, we will start with some brief introductions and an overview of what drew you to seek out help. I'd love to know "what does better look like for you." After gaining your awareness and insight, we will collaboratively discuss your plan for our sessions and time together.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I am a PIT (Post Induction Therapy) trained therapist and am experienced to treat childhood trauma, any form of adult trauma, CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, IFS (Internal Family Systems), MI, and also well-versed in couples and family counseling. Additionally, I utilize several reliable, validated instruments to gather history and symptomology. This better creates a foundation of presenting problems in which we can develop a collaborative treatment plan.

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

My strength is two-tiered: 1. First responder/military trauma coupled with substance abuse and 2. Childhood trauma that occurred between ages 0-17 has manifested in any form of maladaptive coping and/or life distress including anything from depression and anxiety to PTSD. Stemming from these 2 areas of strength, I have years of experience sitting on "both sides of the desk." Although this lived experience isn't a prerequisite for good therapy, it does enable me to gain/build trust faster through authentic relational empathy. Lastly, I have years of mental health crisis experience that comes across as a "calm in the storm approach" when being faced with even the most complex of client histories and events.

About Erie Hebert, LCSW, LCDC, Adv. PIT, Captain (USA, Ret.)