Erin is an Intern in Counseling pursuing her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William and Mary. She earned a B.A. in English with a Creative Writing emphasis from Eastern Kentucky University. Her desire to help others face, cope with, and overcome challenges that keep them from living the life they choose led her to pursue a degree in clinical mental health.
Clinical Focus Areas and Counseling Approach
Erin provides both online and in person counseling at Free Spirit for individuals aged 4 and up, along with couples. She works with clients seeking assistance in areas such as: life transitions, self-esteem, social-emotional development, stress management, body image, healthy boundaries setting, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, and PTSD. She utilizes a customized, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach for each client’s unique mental health goals. Her work also incorporates aspects of Person Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Professional Philosophy
From Erin’s point of view, “I work to create both a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients feel heard and understood. To build a collaborative and supportive relationship with clients, I do my best to see the world through my client’s eyes and walk beside them. From this foundation, I can help them achieve their goals by discovering how to use their strengths and enjoy a life that is rich and fulfilling.”
Professional Experience
Erin previously worked in the event industry working with individuals to realize their vision in events such as family reunions, anniversaries, weddings, and team building. She also held a position at William & Mary working in stewardship helping to create events of appreciation for students and alums throughout the university. Erin held leadership roles where she provided training and mentorship to individuals throughout her time in event planning. Her experience guiding her teams to explore their strengths in supportive, collaborative environments informs her approach working with clients as well.
Fun Facts About Erin
- Erin grew up splitting her time between Florida and Kentucky. From these two different worlds she developed a love of the outdoors both in the form of the beach as well as the mountains.
- Her love of the outdoors includes hobbies such as hiking (she and her husband plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in a few years), kayaking, and horseback riding.
- She also loves reading and playing both in-person and online RPGs.
- Her favorite colors are jewel-tones, especially emerald green and amethyst.
- Her favorite music performers are Amy Winehouse, Lindsey Stirling, and Paloma Faith.
- The background you see in Erin’s photo is from our office “The Field” here at Free Spirit.
Schedule an appointment directly with Erin at: erin@freespiritonline.org or 757-716-9245.
Erin works directly under the supervision of clinical supervisor Dr. Jill Nardin at: jill@freespiritonline.org or 757-204-1866.