I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist for over 20 years.  I specialize in trauma treatment and am certified in EMDR Therapy and  Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  I also incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) and yoga principles into my therapy sessions.  I have advanced training with Law Enforcement, and other First Responders and their families to address daily stress and work related trauma.  I am an EMDR Consultant and have specialized training with substance abuse and eating disorders.  As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy and am trained in both Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 and 2 and Prepare/Enrich. I have worked in residential and correctional treatment centers for a large part of my career in a variety of roles including therapist, manager and clinical/program director.

It is my goal as the owner of Sunrise Wellness to meet the needs of our community by providing a safe place for first responders and public service employees to address their ongoing job stress.  We provide training in Peer Support and work with departments to provide wellness programs and training for employees.

I am an approved OUT OF STATE teletherapy therapist for the state of FL.

https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
Provider registration number: TPMF330

Prior to practicing therapy, Erin was a licensed police officer in Minnesota for over 12 years and recognizes that the unique experiences of public safety personnel require a highly individualized approach to therapy. Erin’s desire to help others create meaning out of loss, provide avenues of hope, and a space to heal, ultimately led to her transition from law enforcement to her work as a therapist.

Erin believes we are all influenced by the systems we are a part, including our families, our work, our schools, our relationships, and our communities. Our experiences and whether our beliefs or values are challenged or supported often impact every aspect of our lives. Erin offers a neutral, nonjudgmental atmosphere and utilizes trauma informed care practices and evidence-based treatment options to reach your goals and improve your overall well-being.

Erin recognizes that each story is unique and understands it is not always easy to talk about problems that exist. When it becomes too difficult to share your story out-loud, Erin is trained in Brainspotting which is a non-verbal treatment option that works to identify and release those primary sources of emotional and physical pain, trauma, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. Erin believes that trauma does not need to end in tragedy and utilizes a Post Traumatic Growth approach in her practice. This approach recognizes that significant life events and adverse experiences can result in negative life outcomes but can also be a catalyst to positive growth afterward.

Erin is passionate about working with individuals to identify their needs’, resources and the flexibility needed for lasting growth and change.

MA, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I provide individual therapy to adults (age 18 and older) and couples. I am a licensed police officer and have 16 years of experience in law enforcement. I have a passion for working with first responders and their significant others, as I know first hand how these professions can affect the individual, relationship and family unit. My therapeutic interventions are eclectic and as I get to know and understand my client(s), I determine what may be most helpful in the journey of counseling for each individual or couple. My hope is that you will find a sense of understanding and comfort when you sit in session with me.

Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety or depression?  I believe that we can work on strategies that will allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build meaningful social connections in your life. I have been trained in a variety of CBT forms, CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfulness Based CBT.  I also use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and many other therapeutic models so you and I will find the best possible treatment for you.

I believe that there are points in everyone’s life where we become “stuck” or dissatisfied with parts of our lives, whether that be due to external circumstances or an internal struggle within ourselves. During those times it can be very difficult to see ourselves as resilient, strong and capable of meeting the demands of our lives. My goal is to walk beside you, providing support and the skills to address your needs, so that you can determine how to move forward in a way that feels good to you. I strive to provide a supportive therapeutic relationship where you can truly feel comfortable to come as your are. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to reach out.

I specialize in working with military, law enforcement, first responders, emergency medicine ~ and the unique challenges you and your loved ones face. Prior to becoming a trauma therapist I spent years working closely with probation and parole, CPS, LEOs, nurses, and doctors. At some point along the way I started asking myself, “Who is watching out for those who help, protect, and serve?” This question led me to shift focus towards working with the people I used to work alongside.

I work from the foundation of neuroscience that painful thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors are NOT indicators of mental illness, weakness, being broken, or a failure. But, in fact, are natural and normal human responses to ongoing exposure to high stress or high risk situations, traumatic events, unresolved grief or loss, experiences of betrayal and broken trust, overwhelming adversities, or from harmful relationships. Similar to healing from complex physical injuries ~ It also takes time, patience, and hard work to heal and grow from the impacts of complex trauma.

What does this mean for you? My style is laid back, collaborative, and educational (yes, you’ll get homework). I’m always up for laughing at ourselves and each other. But we’ll also focus on the solutions necessary to manage the pain from these “injuries of experience” while we do the hard work to heal from the inside out, to personally grow, and create lasting change, Similar to healing from complex physical trauma – It also takes time, patience, and hard work to heal and grow from the impacts of the experiences we live through, endure, and overcome.

Serving the St. Paul area.

I have almost a decade of therapy experience working with veterans, military members, first responders and their family members. I have training and experience working with individuals (18 years or older), couples and families who have experienced difficult times including trauma. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is fully EMDR trained and I’m trained in Prepare/Enrich for couples. I assist clients with their therapeutic process with structured support and solution focus therapy.

I also have 27 years of experience in law enforcement as a licensed police officer and I am married to a retired law enforcement officer. I have training and experience with law enforcement peer support teams and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams.