Erika Unberhagen

Licensed Clinical Social worker & licensed chemical dependency counselor

I've had boots on the ground as a 15-year veteran law enforcement officer who struggled with mental health and addiction for many years before seeking and receiving therapy, and I have made it my mission to help others who so selflessly serve and sacrifice for their communities and country as well as their adult family members.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I understand the unique challenges that warriors often encounter in serving their communities and country and the heavy toll it takes on our loved ones and personal lives. I've been there and I teach clients how to find positive meanings in and process the past. We often struggle with the feelings, emotions, and core beliefs that result from trauma and the job, and I can help you work through them to once again live a life that is happy, joyous, and free. I am also familiar with 12-step programming and can help you reach the goal of abstinence if that is your goal.

My absolute favorite part of what I do is watching the light come on again in the eyes of people I work with while helping our nation's warriors and their family members reconnect with their best selves and find joy in life again. I know first hand the hard work it takes to get your life back on track, and I will be with you every step of the way for you to get back on track, too. My motto is "Warriors Healing Warriors." We can and DO recover!

I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at 50 because, like most of us, I am still addicted to adrenaline! I also discovered in recovery that I am a conservative hippie. WHO KNEW? In other words, I believe in love, God, guns, and country, but not always in that order. Through my own healing journey, I discovered the healing benefits of drumming, Tibetan singing bowls, and other tools that are beneficial, and I incorporate them into treatment when appropriate to significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of trauma symptoms such as anxiety, fear, depression, grief, anger, and sense of helplessness. I am the creator of sensory healing, a highly effective, gentle, and unique approach to assist in trauma processing. My technique was developed through both personal and professional experience. I am also very proud of my Native American and Cajun cultures and often use indigenous, holistic approaches to wellness.

Education

University of Texas @ Arlington
Master's in Social Work

Licensed

• Texas Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)