Erica Shell

Have you been wondering why you have thoughts that speak you are not good enough no matter how hard you strive to get it right? You feel driven to perform and reach goals and accomplishments yet you are still empty and or numb inside? Do you find yourself constantly putting other’s needs above your own and feel guilt or shame when you try take time for yourself. Do you find it difficult to say no when a still small voice in your body says- I need to say no, need time for myself, but are afraid to speak up? Do you feel uneasy when you are around your family of origin or in certain relationships with others? Do have you a hard time sharing your opinions due to fear of what others will think or say? Do have a hard time identifying characteristics that make up you are apart from the job you do? Do you find yourself still eating to your emotions or turning to other addictive tendencies to check out?

Maybe you have tried therapy before in the past and still feel left with unanswered questions about why you tend to default back to unhealthy reactions and coping behaviors. Maybe you have tried a 12-step recovery program and have reached a place of sobriety from substances but find that you are still trying to fill the void and find “love” through unhealthy relational patterns? There are many behaviors and distorted thought patterns that can lead to a sense of emptiness and loneliness. There are reasons you are feeling this way. Maybe it is time to explore family of origin roots and experiences to gain a deeper self-awareness of why you tend to default to some of the self-soothing and numbing behaviors. Adults with unresolved childhood stressors tend to grow up and repeat learned behaviors and patterns in relationships with self and others. This is a courageous journey, and one with which I am quite familiar. I, too, had these thoughts, questions, and more; and found answers on my healing journey. Let me help you find yours and help show you a path to freedom.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a certified addictions counselor with 20 years of experience working with adults (18 and up) that have struggled with substance use issues. I have experience in

multiple levels of care to include: Residential, Intensive Outpatient Programming; Outpatient therapy; Medicated Assisted Treatment and in the Recovery Treatment Court process. Through this work I have seen a strong connection between past traumas and active substance abuse and dependence.

I am certified in Complex Trauma and have certifications in Seeking Safety which is a treatment model that addresses the impacts of past trauma to include: PTSD/Anxiety symptoms, Substance Use symptoms, and other addictive behavioral ways of coping. I have studied and worked with Post-Induction Therapy and the Internal Family Systems Therapy- both of which address the impacts of childhood family of origin trauma. I also utilize techniques from the following therapies and or modalities- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing; Reality Therapy, Person-Centered, and CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy). It is my belief, from years of experience working with others and through my own healing journey, that people seek out addictive and/or other unhealthy ways of coping to help escape hidden and unresolved pain. The impact of childhood and or sexual trauma leaves its legacy as an imprint that continues to influence and or direct our ways of thinking and behaving well into our adulthoods. These adverse experiences can leave a deep wound that shapes and distort our values, beliefs, and our concepts of self.

My therapeutic focus is in helping adults to recover from the legacies of their past trauma wounds. To help them create a deeper awareness and to cultivate an emotional safe space to enable them to do this hard and courageous work.

I am a believer in Jesus Christ and can provide therapy through the lens of a biblical worldview at the request of the client.

“I enjoy my faith walk with Christ; I am married and have a cat named Neji. I enjoy jigsaw puzzles, reading, being in nature; a good café and tend to grind my own coffee beans. I often say- all I need is Jesus, coffee- and a good trauma therapist. I am grateful to have all three.”