The Story of Erin, Human/Therapist: On Productivity, Meditation, and Surprises
I’m a psychotherapist and DBT Group leader at my practice Avalon Psychotherapy. I feel passionately about the therapy I do because I appreciate how difficult it is to come to therapy and share your story. I find that healing comes from being heard and accepting that both ideas can be true at the time same (i.e. “I’m frustrated we are in the midst of a pandemic AND I am grateful for a slower pace.”). This is basis of the “D” (dialectics) in DBT. I believe in joining individuals where they are in their life with compassion and gentleness.
I tend to be stressed and anxious about be “productive enough” and trying to be “everything to everyone” which leads to disappointment, resentment, and burn out.
Self-compassion and regrouping about my expectations have been the most helpful in trusting myself to do what is best for my mental health one situation at a time. It’s still a work in progress…
Here’s a snapshot of me in a short list:
I have an adorable dog named Joey. He’s a Chiweenie. <3
I love warm weather and summertime finding sunshine to truly be healing.
I find meditation to be helpful AND I don’t do it often.
I believe in abundance mindset which means I don’t believe in settling personally, professionally, emotionally, etc.
My favorite foods include: all things Mexican, my husband’s hot wings, the sexy trio sushi roll from Enzo, fresh 2-bite brownies from the Publix bakery, most snacks from Trader Joe’s, and home cooked pecan crusted chicken.
My go-to self-soothe album is Come Away With Me by Norah Jones.
I was born in New York which may explain how direct and “outgoing” I can be.
Last but not least…War Eagle!
Last year I found myself ready to both grow my therapy practice and my family which led to adding Chelsea to the Avalon Psychotherapy team. I thoroughly enjoy the business side of running my therapy practice in a way that aligns with my life, and I want to share my experience. Chelsea and I clicked when we realized we are both passionate about working with people in a deep, vulnerable emotional space with intention and care.
This year I started my second career: Motherhood. I realized being a parent means being extremely vulnerable. Vulnerability means having the courage to take a risk even when you don’t know the outcome. It means showing up anyway. To me, that’s parenthood: having a child even if you don’t know exactly how it’ll go.
Like being pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic- DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!
Currently my therapy practice is virtual due to the pandemic and will likely stay virtual until it feels safe enough to meet in person again. I’m grateful therapy can continue via Telehealth to support individuals during such an overwhelming time.
We are here for you.
