Bios

jacob@ercounseling.com  

385.800.3270

Jacob earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work degrees at the University of

Utah. He was born and raised in a rural Utah community and has spent most of his adult life in

Salt Lake City.  

Jacob is a strong advocate for social justice and mental health awareness and believes in the

inherent worth of every person. He is passionate about helping others alleviate personal suffering

and combat pervasive systemic oppression that perpetuates suffering.  

Jacob's approach to therapy is person-centered, solution-focused, trauma-informed,

empowerment-based and strengths-based. He integrates elements of humanistic, interpersonal,

and cognitive behavioral modalities. 

Jacob has completed his EMDR training's supervisory phase and is considering going for an EMDR therapy certificate through Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP).

If you are looking for therapy and you think Jacob would be a good fit, maybe it’d help to hear from him! From Jacob:

“I am committed to making therapy a positive experience. While the work of self-improvement

can be challenging, it can also be exciting and rewarding. I consider it a gift that others are willing to share on their (often personal) journey.”

amanda@ercounseling.com

385.800.3269

As a growing expert in the realms of trauma, mindfulness, and somatic well-being across all stages of life, Amanda is dedicated to partnering with you on your unique journey of growth. Infused with a lighthearted demeanor, her approach is rooted in evidence and empathy. Amanda weaves together modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dialectical skills, embodied awareness, and mindful presence, crafting a therapeutic experience that prioritizes education and empowerment.

Amanda has completed her EMDR training's supervisory phase and is contemplating pursuing an EMDR therapy certification through Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), amplifying her capacity to facilitate resolve.

During her academic tenure at The University of Utah, Amanda's focus predominantly gravitated towards women's global health and providing therapeutic support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Her reach extends to individuals and families facing with an array of challenges, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), clinical depression, panic attacks, perinatal mood complexities, post-traumatic stress, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, chronic pain, and survivorship. 

Notably, Amanda holds a deep commitment to BIPOC clients, fostering a safe and inclusive space for each client’s narratives. Her expertise is further underscored by comprehensive training in psychodynamic theory, attachment dynamics, and child development.

If you are seeking a therapeutic journey and sense a resonance with Amanda's approach, perhaps a glimpse into her perspective could offer clarity and comfort. Your path to healing deserves a warm presence, and Amanda is ready to walk alongside you. From Amanda:

“I appreciate each of my clients’ humanity, which is often harmed by the larger world... My job is to remain the expert in my field as a change catalyst, while you remain the expert on yourself. Within each client relationship, I hope to engage in a way that is loving, creative, informative, strength-building, and supportive of change. Likely, we will have some laughs, too! Let's get you feeling better.”  

brenda@ercounseling.com 

385.800.3271

"Some dream it, some do it, some do both.” 

- Walt Disney

With over two decades of dedicated experience as a seasoned clinician in the realm of social work, I am committed to not only nurturing dreams of healing but also making them a reality - echoing the timeless wisdom of Walt Disney. Embracing a creative approach to the art of healing, my diverse skill set encompasses trauma-informed care, serving as a beacon of light as you navigate your unique path. Your journey holds deep significance for me, and I approach it with unwavering respect and reverence. While I draw inspiration from Disney's playful spirit, my dedication to therapy is resolute, ensuring that each client feels heard and understood.

As I reflect on my work with children, I have honed a specialization in tending to young hearts grappling with trauma, anxiety disorders, depression symptoms, and a spectrum of behavioral challenges. Armed with the right tools, we will embark on a shared journey of healing, empowering your child to flourish.

My approach to working with children and adolescents is rooted in methodologies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Play Therapy, all underpinned by an attachment-focused perspective.

However, my commitment extends beyond the realm of youth. I recognize the need for adults to address their own unresolved childhood wounds while navigating the demands of adulthood. Sometimes, the pursuit of peace in the sunset years is hindered by the shadows of traumatic life events.

In my work with adults, I intertwine Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the transformative Sand Tray Therapy. A recent addition to my toolkit is EMDR, a dynamic skill that holds immense promise.

So, whether you are a young adult embarking on life's journey, an individual seeking solace from years of lingering pain, or a parent grappling with how best to aid your child's growth, I eagerly await the opportunity to connect with you. Your healing story is unique, and together, we will script a narrative of transformation.

ana@ercounseling.com 

385.800.3285

Ana grew up in Mendoza, Argentina in a city with a landscape and four seasons, just like Utah. This came with a gift, she speaks Spanish, and is trying very hard to learn Portuguese (for now she can understand it very well).  

Ana earned her bachelor’s degree at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, in Argentina and her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Argosy University, the Draper, Utah campus. Before becoming a therapist, Ana was a music teacher and she loved working with children and teenagers.  

Ana’s therapeutic approaches are rooted in Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT).  She always appears to be immersed in a systemic approach, too. She also applies the experimental methodologies of "Daring Way," by Brené Brown, the neuroscience of Daniel Siegel, and the research on couples' stability and relationships of John Gottman. 

From Ana:

"Counseling is the opportunity to heal, grow, and discover who you are. I will walk with you; when you cry or laugh I'll be by you. The healing process is not always easy, but it is necessary to live your life to its fullest. You don't have to do it alone, I'm here to help."

sam@ercounseling.com

385.777.1725

From Sam: 

I grew up in California, but spent most of my teenage and adult life in Cincinnati, Ohio. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Ohio University, and my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling at The University of Akron. 

I love to grow as both a therapist, and a person, and I have a passion for being affirming and creating a safe space for oppressed populations. I strive to work towards social justice and anti-oppression in my therapy and individually. 

I enjoy using a genuine, relaxed, and evidenced-based approach to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Therapy Techniques. As a dually licensed therapist, my mode of therapy is flexible to meet your needs and what you are looking for. I like giving you tools and/or food for thought in between sessions to meet small, realistic goals. 

I specialize in working with couples, adults, adolescent girls, and adult/teen, and I have experience working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in those areas. I am open/non-monogamous relationship-affirming. The following are common symptoms I treat, but are by no means exhaustive: Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Pre-marital Issues, Infidelity, Anxiety, Depression, Peer Relationships, Self-Esteem, Trauma, and PTSD. 

“My job is not to punish or shame you, but to encourage you to give yourself some slack and space, and learn to appreciate how amazing you really are. Low self-esteem is a social construct that most of us experience. Let’s figure out how those negative beliefs about yourself got there, challenge them, and wave them goodbye together!” 

tj@ercounseling.com

385.425.4289

TJ believes in taking a holistic approach in her therapeutic work. She utilizes humanistic therapy to assist clients obtain self-discovery and reach their full potential. She collaborates with them to understand obstacles that make these tasks difficult. She understands that mindfulness can be a powerful tool to achieve personal wellness. Other methods she uses include trauma-informed care, DBT, and a strengths-based perspective.  

TJ has experience working with individuals as they manage grief (an area of specialization for TJ), depression, anxiety, and addiction, among other struggles. 

She works with varying marginalized communities and has an avid sense of those who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, or are intersectional in their identities. She strives to create a therapeutic relationship and environment that is inclusive for all individuals, as she is a social justice worker, first. TJ prefers to work with humans ranging in age across the lifespan; she is currently taking clients as young as 10 years old.      

From TJ:  

“I consider it a privilege to get to know clients on such a personal level as they share their vulnerabilities. I aim to show my appreciation for this honor by respecting each individual as I work with them to understand what they hope to accomplish through therapy.”

grace@ercounseling.com

385.600.5007

Grace has a passion for helping others and a natural inclination towards empathy. In pursuit of this inclination, Grace attended Utah Valley University, where she pursued her undergraduate studies and graduate studies in Social Work. During graduate studies, Grace honed her skills in Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their goals and collaboratively develop solutions to their challenges.

She recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals' lives to guide clients through the healing journey, foster resilience, and promote growth. She also possesses a natural ability to connect with children to create a safe and nurturing space for them. With Grace, children are able to express themselves, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.

Grace is an advocate for diversity and inclusivity, specifically the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals within this community and provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can freely explore their identities, navigate coming out processes, address mental health concerns, faith transitions, and build strong support systems. Her inclusive approach promotes acceptance, self-love, and authentic living.

From Grace:
“In a world where it can be hard to find support and relief, I believe every individual deserves a safe place to heal, grow, and embrace their truest selves. Therapy can be that safe place. Together, we can rewrite stories of pain into narratives of strength, and I am honored to be part of that transformative journey.”

karen@ercounseling.com

385.800.3272

From Karen:

"I grew up in California so anytime I can be in the sun I will be. I earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Brigham Young. 

At ERC, I work closely with the billing department and answer phones. I believe wholeheartedly that in ERC’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values. ERC truly cares about the communities it serves and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve along with them. 

I am also working on promoting mental health awareness in my work and personal life. If you’re looking for a therapist near you, give me a call!"

bree@ercounseling.com

385.800.3272

From Bree:

"I'm originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and I love getting lost, whether in the outdoors or in a good book! I am currently pursuing my BA in Communications at the University of Northern Colorado and an AS in English at Salt Lake Community College. 

At ERC, my role entails close collaboration with the billing department while also being a friendly voice on the phones.  Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am committed to championing mental health awareness within my work and personal lives. ERC's genuine concern for the communities it serves resonates deeply with me, and I am profoundly thankful for the chance to contribute alongside such a compassionate team. 

If you're seeking a therapist to support you on your journey, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your mental well-being matters, and we're here to help!"