Erika Steinwand, Ph.D. Ph.D.

Individuals living with anxiety often struggle with shame and self-criticism. I utilize compassion focused therapy (CFT) to assist individuals with anxiety and psychological distress to increase in self-compassion, and thereby reduce shame, self-criticism and anxiety. Emotional suffering is exacerbated and perpetuated by constant self-attacking and shame and stands in the way of people being able to genuinely sooth and support themselves as well as receive and seek support from others.

I explore the effects of inherited family trauma as well as historical trauma on a culture or people group. I enjoy working with clients to set and reach goals that work for them based on their values and beliefs. I have found that using genograms has been beneficial. A family genogram, sometimes called a family map, is a tool that can be used to give clients insight into their family history. A cultural genogram promotes cultural humility, and allows me to learn of intersecting identities.

My psychological training included a Christian theological foundation. I relate to clients holistically –mind, body and spirit without imposing a worldview and welcome people from all faith traditions. My training has allowed me to address religious and spiritual issues that are relevant to your life situation. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to all. My study of Intercultural Studies allows me to take a posture of cultural humility with all faiths and beliefs.

My psychological training included a Christian theological foundation. I relate to clients holistically –mind, body and spirit without imposing a worldview and welcome people from all faith traditions. My training has allowed me to address religious and spiritual issues that are relevant to your life situation. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to all. My study of Intercultural Studies allows me to take a posture of cultural humility with all faiths and beliefs.

I believe that the best therapeutic method to utilize is adapted to a person’s culture. Therapy modalities should reflect a person’s background and culture–especially because the expression of some mental health disorders in people of color may be slightly different than those of the majority culture.

I have extensive training in medical settings where I utilized a CBT approach.

I often treat clients from a compassion focused therapy (CFT). CFT focuses on developing a warm, compassionate and accepting attitude towards the self and others in order to specifically counteract shame, self-criticism and isolation (Gilbert 2014). In addition to CFT, I may employ methods from CBT and other therapeutic modalities.