Erica is a licensed mental health counselor living in tampa bay and working remotely wherever adventure calls.

My clients describe me as friendly, non-judgmental, laid-back and easy to talk to. I will make you feel heard, validated, and safe in our sessions so that you feel comfortable enough to be your authentic self. I will hold space for you and challenge your self-limiting beliefs. Whether you’re coming in as an individual, couple, or family, I can help.

My Story

Throughout my life, I have traveled to and lived in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia. I’ve learned invaluable lessons about people of all ages, backgrounds, and races by listening to their stories with an empathetic ear. My exposure to their diverse cultures around the world is a valuable asset in my work, as it has enabled me to witness their struggles, learn their way of life, and open my mind to different ways of thinking, feeling, and doing. I believe that while we are all different, we can relate to each other on an emotional level. No matter where we’re from or where we are, we want and need empathy, love, inner peace, happiness, acceptance, purpose, and fulfillment.

After graduating with my Bachelors degree in Art Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, I obtained my Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of South Florida in 2017. Throughout the years, I’ve honed my skills in cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, couples and family therapy, crisis and suicide intervention, substance abuse counseling, art therapy, and more. I use a blend of these modalities that has developed into my unique “style”.

My Approach

Therapy isn’t “one size fits all”. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process that is tailored to suit clients’ individual needs. You already possess unique abilities that can propel you in life; maybe you just haven’t tapped into them yet. You are the one who needs to do the bulk of the work using these abilities; my job as your therapist is to offer you tools, guidance and perspective along the way.

I currently counsel individuals, couples, and families at my private practice in Tampa (you can read more about the services I provide here). I also offer online therapy and life coaching for my clients’ convenience. My goal is that my clients will find hope, healing, inner peace, self-awareness and self-love, and ultimately feel empowered to change their lives so they can live their best one yet - a fulfilled life of purpose and meaning.

The words that would best describe my approach to therapy are: refreshing, collaborative, direct, dynamic, and multi-dimensional. In our sessions, we may explore your past and figure out why you may do what you do, and then focus on how how you can move forward and create the future you want with your newfound awareness. You will learn how to purge what no longer serves you and keep what does so that you may use it to your advantage in changing what needs to be changed. I will be straightforward in addressing your current stressors so we can begin finding solutions together as soon as possible. I will be empathetic and sensitive, but direct in order to challenge you. We will break down big challenges into reasonable goals. I welcome feedback from my clients, because I want you to get the most out of each session. I encourage journaling (a journal will be provided for you at your first session) and assign “homework”. I also have a certified therapy dog named Koda who can join us in our work, if you’d like! Hablas español? No hay problema — ¡yo también!

I want to be a guiding force in your journey. Are you ready to begin? Get in touch today - I’d love to hear from you.