I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and my work is focused on adolescents and adults experiencing issues related to depression, anxiety, peer conflict, parenting issues, technology/social media use, intimate partner conflict, and major life transitions (e.g. first-time parenting, leaving for college, returning to work, divorce, empty nest). I am a solution-focused therapist who utilizes an array of evidence-based techniques (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, positive psychology, schema therapy, and psychoeducation) which capitalize on my clients’ innate strengths. I operate from a systems mentality appreciating the role of environment in personal challenges. I recognize the relationship between the therapist and the client as a critical factor in therapeutic success and always seek to understand the big picture of a client’s life before attempting to diagnose and treat mental health issues. Once issues are clear, I work with clients to co-create a plan of action. I view problems as opportunities for growth and I focus on self-efficacy in order to empower clients to create the life they want. While we can all benefit from an emotional tune-up with a therapist from time to time, my goal is to help clients adopt new behaviors and develop new emotional skills that allow them to problem-solve on their own once therapy ends.
Professional Experience
I received my Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University and have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California. I completed my clinical internship at the YWCA of Annapolis where I worked with both trauma survivors and court-ordered offenders of sexual assault and domestic violence individually and in groups. Outside private practice, I have presented locally and internationally on the subject of technology, social media, and mental health sharing research-based and experiential wisdom about healthy use. I have held an adjunct professorship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education where I taught a graduate course that I created on the impact of social media on mental health. Mental health counseling is a second career for me. In my previous career, I was a non-profit executive and cabinet-level gubernatorial advisor focusing on women’s issues, work & family, elder care, volunteerism, and youth mentorship. Early in my career, I received a fellowship from the White House that I used to create a mentoring program for teen moms which aimed to help them build life skills and prepare for college. Social advocacy and women’s empowerment are a big part of my life and the totality of my life experience informs my therapeutic approach. That life experience includes having multiple iterations of my profession as well as taking a break from my career to be a stay-at-home mom for 14 years.
Life Outside the Office
My husband and I have been married since 2001. Together, we have 3 college-aged children – twin sons and a daughter. I enjoy volunteering and traveling abroad with my family, seeing Broadway shows, rooting for the Orioles, and spending time on the Severn River. I was born and raised in southern California, but have happily called Maryland home since 1996.
Erin provides Telehealth services. She also offers group presentations to communities and schools on the subject of social media/technology and mental health. Erin is an out-of-network provider. For more information on her social media-related services, check out our blog!