All of us face times in our lives when pain causes us to feel paralyzed or led to move in a different direction. It becomes so intense that we can no longer go back down the same paths. Only some of us have the courage to share the pain, feelings, grief stuckness, shame or guilt with another human being. Through that process, people set themselves free but it is perceived that someone knowing is actually the worst thing that could happen. Then the cycle continues. I believe it is speaking and sharing these things with a trusted advisor and helper in a confidential, safe, non-judgmental, unconditional place provides for exploration and healing that goes beyond what one can imagine. I invite you through this new door and to take that second and often most difficult step, to walk through my door. It is over half of the healing process. There is something that happens when you walk into the room that is trans-formative in and of itself.

The foundation for our time and for you is unconditional positive regard. The human experience is hard and it is often made more difficult due to isolating ourselves, judgment from the others and/or the world and associated problems. It can be lonely, dark and overwhelming. My hope is that you

find this journey to be one where I come along side of you or your relationship and provide acceptance, comfort, strength and encouragement. I believe the role of a counselor or consultant is less about talking and more about listening and asking questions. Through that process I hope that you find a chance to explore, gain insight and then act in a way that is the right path for you. Also, as needed, to help you find solutions and resources and provide psycho-education on an individual and relational basis, helping you to discover a life not yet lived. Various techniques and long-standing as well as cutting edge approaches with proven results can and will be utilized as appropriate. Faith can also be incorporated into our time together including prayer.

PERSONAL

Erik is the husband to his high school sweetheart of 25 years and father of four children (18, 15, 12 and 11). He grew up in Southwestern Virginia and moved to Jacksonville in 1990. He experienced and has worked through a broken marriage due to his own addictions, workaholism, stress, depression, and anxiety.

Over the last decade, amazing healing occurred in his own life and these experiences have opened many doors to helping others.

EDUCATION

Driven by his journey and his faith, Erik pursued a second Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary and obtained licensure as a Registered Marriage and Family Intern Therapist. He previously obtained his Masters in Accounting from Florida State University in 1998 and is a licensed C.P.A. and has spent the last 20 years in real estate and accounting.

Accounting and counseling may seem like two areas and personality types that don’t connect, but for Erik, this allows him to see issues and circumstances from different perspectives. He is able to uncover, understand, empathize, and process important facts but also integrate his compassion and help people process their emotions as he sits with them in those.

EXPERIENCE

Erik has extensive experience in helping people struggling with alcohol, drugs, pornography, infidelity, sex addition and abuse. These are almost always entangled with relationship disturbances and brokenness, especially with spouses and partners.

He also specializes in couples therapy and healing from infidelity, broken trust, and communication. Many people and couples have experienced and seen healing, freedom from addiction, and relationship connection and intimacy that they have never experienced before, turning their worst things, in time, to possibly their best things.

Erik is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the leading edge in therapy proven to have the highest positive outcomes. He emphasizes self-care and creating new or enhancing existing support systems through a focus on positive physical, mental, emotional, and, as appropriate and requested, spiritual health and growth. Erik encourages group support through these journeys as appropriate and has a vast library of books and resources available to help individuals and couples heal.

PURPOSE

His heart is helping and serving others to lead a life not yet lived and walking alongside people through that process. His vision is to help heal the brokenhearted and help bandage their wounds. He believes that the counselor plays a very small role in someone’s healing journey and that in sharing our innermost thoughts, secrets, and shame in a safe, nonjudgmental, caring environment, one can release themselves from a prison of their own (or other’s) making.

If Erik is not the right fit for you or you are looking for help in other areas he is happy to provide referrals and recommendations for other helpers.

MARRIAGE & COUPLES

Every couples journeys and challenges are unique, but below is an outline of our time and process together depending on the level of crisis and situation you find yourselves in:

-Understanding of your goals – what would you like to see different after our time together
-How committed are you to accomplishing those goals
-Your relationship history
-Your individual history
-Understanding your conflict cycle, which so often is the true enemy, not each other
-Understanding your relational needs
-Understanding your levels of intimacy – emotional and physical and spiritual as appropriate
-Building a secure base and safe haven for each other so you can express your true emotional feelings and needs
Experiencing unconditional positive regard and support as you navigate this life not yet lived

ADDICTIONS

Erik has extensive experience in helping people struggling with alcohol, drugs, pornography, and sex addition and abuse. These are almost always entangled with relationship disturbances and brokenness, especially with spouses and partners.

He also specializes in couples therapy and healing from infidelity, broken trust, and communication. Many people and couples have experienced and seen healing, freedom from addiction, and relationship connection and intimacy that they have never experienced before, turning their worst things, in time, to possibly their best things.

INDIVIDUAL

-Understanding your goals and your commitment to achieving them
-Exploration, insight and action
-Understanding your history and allowing you space to explore how that may be affecting your present and your future
-Providing psychoeducation, resources and tools to help you lead a life not yet lived
-Exploring your overall physical, mental and emotional struggles and providing encouragement to explore other possible resources, such as seeing your primary care physician and/or psychiatrist as appropriate
-Exploring traumas and crisis in your life
-Understanding current coping mechanisms and introducing new ones if the old ones aren’t working or are actually hurting you