About Erika
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 12
Helping others manage the psychological impact of chronic illness since 2011
Living with and managing a chronic illness like diabetes can be both emotionally and physically taxing. I understand. You can never take a vacation from diabetes. The burden of constant decision making and analysis can lead to exhaustion, distress, and even burnout both for you and your caregivers. But, there is hope.
I not only have a heart for you and what you may be going through, but also have the experience and professional training to help. I would love to meet with you so we can work together to find a way to help you not just live, but even thrive with your chronic illness.
My Approach
With a passion to help others, I earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary in 2011 and became licensed as an LMFT (#90941) in California in 2015. In 2022, I became licensed to provide Telehealth sessions to Florida (#TPMF813), Utah (#13111784-3902), Oregon (#T2268) and Vermont (100.0134267TELE) residents. I currently work with children (ages 9-18) as well as adults of all ages as individuals, couples, or families.
Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, I see significant change for my clients as they understand how their thoughts affect their feelings and actions. In addition to CBT, I utilize Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other treatments to assist clients in reaching their goals.
Listen to Erika on the Juicebox Podcast addressing the mental health aspects of diabetes
Credentials:
Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary, 2011
Licensed as an LMFT in California, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Florida
Media:
Frequent contributor on the Juicebox Podcast 2020 - Present
Speaker on Diabetes Distress at the Diabetes + Mental Health Conference 2021
Contributor to Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) newsletter: Newly Diagnosed to Type 1 Diabetes? 3 Tips from a T1D therapist who Gets it! 2023
Type 1 in Midlife Podcast Episode 35: Uncover Hope 2024
Speaker to teens and caregivers at the Touched by Type 1 Annual Conference 2024
Memberships:
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Professional Membership of American Diabetes Association
Mental Health Professional Directory Listing, ADA
Lyra Health Provider
Verified by Psychology Today
Advocacy:
American Diabetes Association Safe at School Working Group, Southern California
Specialties:
Chronic Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s)
Depression
Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Self-Esteem
Teens
Parenting
Parent/Child Therapy