Erika Huelskamp
I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years, working with diverse populations. For the past two decades, I’ve focused on veterans and their families, gaining a deep understanding of their unique needs and those of their loved ones.
Additionally, I’ve worked with individuals facing chronic health issues, relationship challenges, and trauma, anxiety or depression.
Additionally, I’ve worked with individuals facing chronic health issues, relationship challenges, and trauma, anxiety or depression. Throughout my extensive career, I’ve had the privilege of training in various therapeutic modalities, including Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic therapies, attachment theory, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Expressive Arts, Hypnosis. I firmly believe that the most effective approach lies in blending these modalities to tailor a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.
First session
In our initial session, we’ll delve into the underlying reasons behind your decision to seek therapy at this juncture. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these factors, we’ll collaboratively establish an initial goal that aligns with your desire to address specific concerns during therapy. Once we’ve formulated this goal, I’ll outline the approach I intend to take and seek your valuable feedback on it. Your comfort and trust in this plan are paramount before we embark on the therapy process. If you’re satisfied with the plan, we’ll schedule subsequent sessions to continue our therapeutic journey.
Strengths
I bring over 25 years of experience working with individuals facing addictions and mental health challenges across various populations. My approach is a fusion of models I’ve been trained in, extensive ongoing research on diverse topics, and the invaluable insights gained from working with clients. I’m constantly learning and eager to explore new areas of interest. Having worked with diverse populations, I’m open to hearing your thoughts and perspectives. I firmly believe that my clients have been my greatest teachers.
Ideal clients
I work with individuals who have chronic health conditions, those who have served in the military, and those who are affected by PTSD or trauma. I approach my clients directly, and during our sessions, I encourage you to challenge yourself. I firmly believe that healing is possible, and you can regain the life you desire. If this resonates with you, I would be delighted to collaborate with you on this journey to healing.
Origin story
I began my career working with individuals struggling with addiction, and I quickly discovered that they also faced mental health challenges, particularly trauma. This realization sparked my interest in trauma, which has remained a constant area of study for me. As my career progressed, I had the privilege of working with children who were incredibly engaging and rewarding to work with. Through this experience, I learned the profound value of incorporating art and non-verbal therapy models into the healing process for clients. Subsequently, I continued to work with trauma, and I noticed a striking connection between individuals who had experienced trauma and those who had chronic health issues. This observation led me to explore the intricate relationship between the body and trauma, which has become a central focus of my ongoing research and skill development. My goal is to provide support and healing to individuals grappling with chronic health issues and trauma.
Ongoing work together
Clients who work with me can expect to receive “homework” assignments to complete between sessions. I believe that this is where the real work happens. These assignments can vary in tasks, but I prioritize working within your schedule to avoid overwhelming you with additional work or tasks. Whenever possible, I try to pair these assignments with other activities.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I firmly believe that our values play a pivotal role in setting and achieving our goals. They serve as our guiding principles, helping us establish clear objectives and determine our life’s direction. By aligning our actions with our values, we make informed decisions about our next steps and approach our goals with purpose and motivation. Our values are influenced by various factors, including our family background and spiritual beliefs, so it’s crucial to explore and understand them thoroughly. Ultimately, living in accordance with our values leads to genuine happiness and fulfillment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encourages us to examine the impact of our thoughts on our emotions. I firmly believe that our minds, or egos, can significantly influence our happiness. Therefore, we must begin by scrutinizing our thoughts, assessing whether they serve us well and contribute to our goals and desired life. If not, we can take steps to change them. The saying “change your thoughts, change your mood” resonates with me as a valuable tool for improving our well-being by simply evaluating the validity of our thoughts.
Hypnotherapy
In my work with hypnosis, I’ve observed clients making remarkable progress in their treatment within a single session. I use hypnosis in conjunction with other techniques to help you achieve your goals and facilitate healing. Hypnosis allows us to explore the root cause of your issue and bring about healing in that specific aspect of your being. By entering a state of deep relaxation, we gain access to the subconscious mind, which holds the answers to your questions.
Mind-body approach
Another approach I use with my clients is to focus on the mind-body connection. Our bodies can offer valuable insights into our well-being, and by paying attention to their signals, we can gain answers to our questions. I find this method particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic health conditions.
Psychoeducation
I firmly believe that gaining a basic understanding of what you’re experiencing can be incredibly reassuring, affirming that your feelings are “normal.” Therefore, during sessions, I’ll seamlessly incorporate educational content about your situation. I firmly believe that education is the key to self-help, as it empowers you to learn about your symptoms and discover effective ways to manage them. As a wise man once said, “Knowledge is power.”
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ColoradoLicense CSW.00992959