LCSW, 17 years of experience
I identify as queer, fat, femme and have a mixture of indigenous and colonizer DNA. I share this first because the way we identify matters. Many reasons and factors stop us from being ourselves around others and often, when we can't fully live who we are, our mental health suffers. If that's you, I'm here to help. We can work through body image issues, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, trauma, conflict management together if you're willing to do the work of honestly engaging in therapy with me. I grew up on the East Coast to immigrant parents from Colombia and lived in SoCal for 15 years and recently moved back home to be near my parents. I have a rescued pitbull that brings me lots of peace and joy and you might see him napping behind me via telehealth sessions. I enjoy hiking, cooking, reading (fiction for fun), and taking care of my indoor plants. I love learning about indigenous wisdom/practices from all over the world, herbalism, tarot, and other healing practices and beliefs that folks use to find meaning and wellness. Last but not least, I really love my job! And I do it because I believe in it and have witnessed many people shift, grow, break patterns and learn new ones that significantly improve quality of life. If you're curious but unsure if I'd be the right fit for you, email me and we can schedule a 15 minute chat (free of charge) where you can get a better idea and ask a few questions to find out if this would be a good option for you. Please keep your email short and only include your interest in scheduling a 15 minute call and 1 or 2 sentences of what you're looking for. My email is: ericaarizalcsw @ gmail.com
The first session can feel a bit awkward because we have to go over logistical info, go over symptoms to provide a diagnosis as well as create a treatment plan. Insurance companies require this and it's a lot to do in a first session so it can sometimes feel uncomfortable or like it's too much for one session. I always try and do my best to make the first session as welcoming and warm as possible, just know this is not what a typical therapy session looks/feels like with me.
I enjoy meeting with folks that are working through body image issues, past and/or current trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, conflict management issues, loneliness and relationship issues (platonic and romantic). One of my biggest strengths is working with folks to communicate with others in a way that leads to healthier connections and just an overall feeling of being understood. I meet with folks individually for sessions but I love working with the support community of any client and am happy to invite friends/family for sessions with a client every now and again, if appropriate.
LGBTQ+, Body Image issues, ages 18 - 65, People of Color
You are not the reason for everything that is going wrong in your life. Through this lens of treatment we explore how systems interact with your lived experience to block or place barriers in your path from living life the way you want to live it. We also explore how to exercise your own agency and feel more empowered in whatever situation you find yourself.
When trauma exists in your past that continues to show up in your present, we can explore ways to improve your functioning while processing trauma in ways that do not cause further trauma.
I use Brainspotting with folks when they want to process something that is either too traumatic to talk about or they simply do not have words to put to thoughts/feelings around the issue. Brainspotting is a nonverbal form of treatment.
I will always affirm your gender and never question your sense of self. I welcome my clients to bring their gender identity openly into session wether it's something that needs to be processed in treatment or not.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 23, 2025
Erica provides support by created a safe therapeutic space that is centered on solutions by allowing space and emotional support to collaborate/brainstorm different ways to combat situations/emotions/feelings.
April 29, 2025
I always feel very seen in session. Erica is very affirming of my thoughts, my emotions and my experiences. She's warm and genuine and makes me feel safe enough to unload and open up to her. I couldn't say anything but amazing things about Erica. We have come up with really empowering and solution-oriented ways to process my trauma — which has only made me trust her more as my therapist.
March 4, 2025
It's only been my first intake, but I will say I felt seen and really appreciated the little stuff in Erica's intake that gave it their unique style.