Counseling and Psychotherapy

Modern life holds many challenges that can take us out of balance with ourselves and those that we care about. Sometimes life’s challenges and transitions become difficult to overcome on our own. I offer support and a comfortable environment to help you navigate your way to a place that feels better. In practice for over 20 years, I help adults and adolescents with a variety of challenges including, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma , eating and body image issues, relationship challenges and addiction problems. Together, we can find the way to a path that will bring you more peace, confidence and satisfaction.

It can be a difficult decision to begin counseling or psychotherapy. You may feel embarrassed about seeking help or concerned about revealing your hopes and worries to someone else. Your desire to change and create the more satisfying life you deserve to live may fuel the courage needed to begin.

As your therapist my first priority is to help you feel understood, accepted and comfortable. With this sense of safety we can work with your strengths and hopes, helping you make positive changes and move forward on your path toward feeling better.

Erica specializes in working with adults and adolescents with the following challenges:

• Anxiety Problems
• Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex/Developmental PTSD and PTSD
• Stress related issues and Medical Problems
• Substance Abuse and Addiction Problems
• Binge Eating and Compulsive Eating
• Depression
• Aggression or Anger Management Problems
• Attention Deficit Problems

 

Trauma Focused Therapy

Trauma is the emotional and physical impact that enduring distressing experiences can place on us.   Sometimes the impact of trauma cause problems like post traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety problems,  sometimes it impacts or ability to feel safe and secure in the world and in our lives.  Trauma focused therapy can help you understand the ways that past distressing experiences have impacted the way you feel physically and emotionally.  The first concern in addressing challenges related to trauma is to develop strategies for feeling more in control and less distressed by situations and stresses in your life.   We use a trauma informed approach that includes techniques such as EMDR, sensorimotor interventions,  and other mind body approaches including yoga psychotherapy and  mindfulness based psychotherapy.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

EMDR is a well researched technique that combines mindful awareness, awareness of thoughts and use of imagery to help clients respond more effectively to psychological distress.  Although EMDR was originally developed to assist people in resolving traumatic stress,  it has since been found to be effective in helping individuals with anxiety problems, compulsive behavior and in strengthening healthy coping skills.   The process of EMDR engages many areas of our brain in resolving and working through difficult issues and for this reason is often more effective than traditional talk therapy alone.   EMDR is also effective when combined with other mind – body therapeutic techniques that help us reduce the physical symptoms of psychological distress.

Addictions Counseling

Addictions, compulsive behaviors, and substance abuse are often well intended attempts to feel better, meet some need we may have or cope with distressing situations.  Though we may feel more in control initially,  addictive behavior often leads to the loss of freedom and a healthy sense of control in our lives.  We use a variety of approaches in working with addiction including mindfulness based approaches,  mindfulness based relapse prevention,  integration with 12 step approaches to recovery when helpful, and mindful approaches to healing from binge eating.