Erica Ward

I’m a licensed clinical social worker with more than 13 years of experience across medical, behavioral health, and clinical social work settings. I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida State University and my Master of Public Health from Columbia Southern University. My professional background includes work across healthcare systems, hospitals, and outpatient mental health, which has shaped a practical and whole-person approach to care.

I work with adults experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD and attention-related difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, stress, grief, emotional regulation challenges, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. I also have particular experience supporting adults who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated by patterns that continue to interfere with their daily functioning.

My approach is respectful, direct, and collaborative. I recognize that every client brings a different history, culture, identity, set of strengths, and perspective into therapy, so I do not expect one approach to work for everyone. I aim to create a space where clients can speak openly, better understand what is contributing to their concerns, and develop practical strategies that fit their actual lives.

My approach to therapy is active, collaborative, and practical. I use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy-informed strategies, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, while adapting treatment to each client’s needs and goals.

I’m not a passive therapist. I ask questions, identify patterns, offer feedback, and help clients connect what they are experiencing emotionally with how it is affecting their relationships, routines, decision-making, and daily functioning.

I also believe therapy should feel respectful and realistic. I do not expect clients to change everything at once or fit into a single treatment model. We work together to understand what is getting in the way, build on existing strengths, and develop strategies that can actually be used outside of the therapy room.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get a clear picture of what brings you to therapy, what has been happening over time, and how those concerns are affecting your daily life. I’ll ask questions about your current symptoms, stressors, relationships, routines, previous treatment experiences, and what you hope will be different as a result of therapy.

I’m an active and engaged therapist, so you can expect thoughtful questions, feedback, and clarification rather than simply telling your story without direction. At the same time, there is no expectation that you share everything at once. We will move at a pace that allows us to build an accurate understanding of your needs and priorities.

By the end of the session, we will begin identifying treatment goals, discuss what may be most helpful to focus on, and determine whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.