Erica Faulhaber

Sexual abuse and assault are more openly discussed now than in the past, however there is still sometimes a stigma that comes along with it. I believe in getting help as soon as humanly possible. It is a very heavy weight to walk around this world with. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I understand what it is like to hold that secret. Feeling like nobody will understand. Maybe also wondering how to open up about the personal experience as it can be challenging and terrifying. Some days you wonder if you will ever move past it. I worked with an organization who offered support groups to individuals who were healing from childhood sexual abuse. My work with this organization was impactful and watching the transformations were indescribable. This work has flowed into my private practice where I can help on an individual basis now. This can be a fragile process and I always want my clients to see that healing cannot be determined by a timeline. Healing moves at your own pace.

Little...Big...Thin...Thick...Short...Tall...I treat them all! I work with my clients to move into a place of acceptance with their bodies. Clients may not "love" their bodies but they are able to start seeing their bodies in a new way. A new way that helps daily interactions feel easier. Clients start to feel the relief of joining forces with themselves in place of battling against themselves. The day is no longer spent on the comparison game with media, family, friends or peers. The day is spent appreciating the body just as it is. I practice from a HAES (health at every size) perspective meaning that my office is inclusive to all body weights, shapes and sizes. I want each client to know that I see them as they are and that they do not need to hide any more. I want to be there with folks who have never felt welcomed because of their size. You too, get to be in this world with the body you have been given. My practice is inclusive and open to those who want to learn more about accepting and appreciating their bodies just as they are.

I know firsthand what it is like to engage in unhealthy behaviors. I also know about having unhealthy relationships with myself, food, the scale, body image and self-esteem. I noticed that no matter what weight I was, I was unhappy and unfulfilled. Recovery IS possible and while it takes work to sustain recovery, that too is possible. I am passionate about helping folks find recovery in the midst of their storm. Eating disorders are an outward expression of what is going on inside. They are the number one killer of mental illness. Eating disorders are complicated illnesses. There can be biological (genetics) and environmental or social triggers for the illness. Eating disorders can affect the individual not only physically but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I have worked in an eating disorder treatment facility, have volunteered time facilitating eating disorder support groups, am working toward becoming a CEDS (certified eating disorder specialist) and also have personal experience.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy more and more people are requesting. I took my training through an EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association) which is the governing board to ensure clinicians are doing the therapy correctly and staying true to following the structure in which it was created for. EMDR can help folks with a variety of struggles such as PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, anxiety, specific phobias, urges, eating disorders and addictions. I personally have used EMDR and that is what encouraged me to seek training to help my clients seek relief that is typically quicker than traditional talk therapy. Before we get into EMDR, I like to educate my clients on the process and what sessions will look like moving forward.

ACT is one of my favorite therapies to use with clients. ACT is known to increase "psychological flexibility" and to help clients become more fluid in life. ACT has 6 parts to it. Those six parts are acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self as context, values and committed action. When I work with clients using ACT, we work with mindfulness and acceptance as we go through each piece. I find that learning about my clients values, helps facilitate change and growth. I like to ask my clients if their behaviors are in line with their values. This gives us an opportunity to use values to help align the other parts of life to ensure an authentic life is being lived. We also work a great deal on remaining present. It can be so easy to get caught up in the past or future but remaining in the here and now can be of benefit to the individual. Being able to accept where we are and commit to action can help solidify the changes being. Changes can be life-lasting!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I love using CBT with folks because if feels natural to most people. When I use this therapy, I like to give my clients homework to practice what they are learning in session. Don't worry, nothing too hard, but more practical ways to respond and relate to life outside of therapy. It has been helpful with clients to work on the application piece meaning as we walk through thoughts, feelings and behaviors - it is easier to see when, where and how to use it as needed. In our time together, I will help you see what you can change meaning what is in your control and what you cannot change but rather influence to help you live a better life. I help clients establish daily practices that help their thoughts, feelings and behaviors contribute to their overall wellbeing.