Erin Mock

I don't just dabble in DBT—it's what I'm passionate about. It transformed me and I became a counselor to share it. Some people think DBT is a handful of worksheets, but it is a rigorous, evidence-based, scaffolded, and philosophically sophisticated treatment that helps people challenged by emotional dysregulation, including those who haven't been helped by anything else. I have seen people with addictions, personality disorders, and trauma positively thrive when they take DBT seriously.

If you've done any research, you know that Gottman is the gold standard in couples therapy. Gottman has the strongest research base across cultures and relationship structures. I love using Gottman to work with cross-class marriages, relationships challenged by addiction, artistic partnerships, and high-conflict couples, especially those in long-term relationships.

EMDR can help "unstick" people from trauma that's held them back. There are several powerful treatments for trauma, but some clients prefer EMDR because it is less verbally exhausting or homework-intensive than many other major trauma modalities. It is especially useful for clients who become emotionally flooded and/or dissociate when in touch with traumatic memories. It is not magic, but the evidence in its favor for the alleviation of PTSD symptoms is extremely impressive.

Men are underserved in the world of psychotherapy. While men experience the same full range of emotions that women do, men are more likely to show anger and frustration or emotionally shut down. When men act out, they are more likely to do so sexually or with aggression. Men's social needs are often unmet, which can lead to difficult relationships. Men are encouraged to disengage from their feelings, but also admonished for doing so. I meet men exactly where they are when they walk in my door.

Substances, sex, gambling, gaming, spending, food, and self-harm offer immediate relief, but increase suffering when overused. Addictions can compromise relationships, imperil finances, jeopardize health and safety, and leave us drowning in self-loathing or resentment. Counseling can help. I support clients through the 12 steps, but more often work with those for whom that approach is not a good fit. My focus is on practical, lasting change to create and maintain a life worth living.

I provide counseling for high-conflict relationships, cross-class partnerships, and relationships affected by addiction. Often but not always, couples come in at points of decision or transition: engagement, new parenthood, moves, major purchases, renovations, empty nest, serious diagnoses, separating, or considering divorce. My focus is on helping partners understand their patterns, reduce escalation, rebuild a more stable and workable connection, and find healthier ways to move forward.