Erika Viara

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience and 16 years of licensure in Connecticut, including inpatient and outpatient work at Yale Medical School. I hold a master's degree in clinical counseling psychology from Westfield State University. I offer a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and comfortable exploring the challenges keeping you feeling stuck. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, mood concerns, loss, addiction, relationship challenges, stress, and life transitions — walking alongside you as you gain greater insight, build on your strengths, and move toward a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with who you want to be.

I believe a strong therapeutic relationship — one where we focus on your goals and explore the connection between mind and body — is the foundation for identifying barriers and discovering pathways toward meaningful change. My style is open and conversational: active listening, honest dialogue, and practical tools with no jargon and no judgment. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Strength-Based approaches, I tailor our work to your unique needs. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I don't just listen — I help them recognize patterns, gain clarity, and move forward with intention.

In our first session, you can expect open communication about what's currently happening in your life, what situations you'd most like to focus on, and the opportunity to get to know each other at a pace you're comfortable with. I want to recognize and applaud you for taking this important first step — it's the beginning of something meaningful.