Therapists in Montana

Of the many lessons that we are confronted with in our modern era, perhaps the most important is that of the vitalness of maintaining connection- within ourselves, first and foremost, so that we can know and call upon those personal resources that facilitate connection with all that is outside of us. Living with a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, can threaten our ability to know who we truly are and, as a result, deprive the world of our true gifts.

I believe all individuals have the ability for monumental change and growth within themselves. My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment that is targeted to meet my client's individual needs and strengths. I have empathy and respect for the individuals that I work with. I believe the relationship that we build provides the paths for working through whatever may be blocking growth.

I have twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples in a psychodynamic approach. My orientation includes attachment theory, schema therapy, psychoanalysis, emotionally focused therapy, and mindfulness. My goal is to help you reduce your emotional suffering, better understand yourself, improve your relationships, and become a happier and more relaxed person.

The most important part of therapy is that you connect/feel safe with your therapist, and finding that therapist can be difficult, especially right now. Call or send me an email to arrange a free consultation and lets see if we think we're a good fit. Trust yourself, ask questions, you've come this far, you will find someone that seems right for you. Life is hard at the moment and you're probably ready for something to change, but what? I advocate for fierce joy, tolerating uncertainty and loss, digging deep, genuine relationships, holding ourselves accountable, playing to strengths, & being compassionate about our challenges.

Hi there! My name is Erik Nielsen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I was born and raised here in Missoula and am happy to call Montana home. I would be honored to work with you as you move through your complex and unique path towards health and wellness. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, identity or gender issues, trauma, work and life transitions, or if you are working towards connection with your better self, I am here to help.

I work with women who want freedom from what haunts them. Women who are willing and ready to do the work to free themselves from the grip of whatever holds them. Addiction, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, a traumatic event, unhealthy relationships, you name it. Our past experiences coupled with our current modern society deeply affect our ability to find balance within our minds, bodies, and spirits. Healing is about returning to balance in these three areas. What does that look like?

I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal. Healing brings us closer to a sense of wholeness in our lives, which leads to authenticity, close and connected relationships, meaning and purpose, and connection to nature and spirit. However, experiences from the past or current challenges or stressors can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Through counseling, an individual can explore their experiences, process their emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations in the present moment, which will guide them toward increased awareness, emotional regulation, greater capacity and a sense of well-being and vitality.

Helping empower people to live joyful, abundant peace-filled lives, while enjoying the gift of life given me by God forms the purpose and drives the mission of my ministry as a therapist. The purpose of Heart and Hand Center is to alleviate suffering that comes to people of all ages as a result of trauma, grief, loss, injury, accidents, divorce, family dysfunction, war, poverty, addictions, death, and disease. We use a healing approach combining compassion and care with expressive arts therapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, and spirituality to address root causes of emotional, behavioral, and psychological problems.

I am an experienced psychotherapist who enjoys working with clients who are motivated to make positive changes in their life. I use a client centered approach to help clients feel comfortable enough to be able to work through their issues. I also use a strength based approach when working with clients, to help clients find the strength within themselves to make the positive changes they desire. I strongly believe that the relationship between client and counselor is vital to bring about positive change.

My approach is empathic, direct, and thoughtful. Given I have a wide background in my training and experience, I adapt my therapeutic approach to your needs. I find that effective therapy is a collaborative approach where we work together to understand your concerns, their origins, and most importantly what can be done to bring about both the internal and behavioral changes that lead to more satisfaction and fulfillment in life . My goal in therapy is to help integrate your shame and vulnerabilities into a healthy identity grounded in self-esteem, pride, and resiliency.

Throughout life we are faced with obstacles that can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed and defeated. At times we may even feel so alone, depressed or hopeless that we begin to think that suicide may be our only option. If this sounds like you--you are not alone! I have helped many clients to manage and overcome these issues, while feeling more empowered and in control of their lives. I understand how hard it is to seek out help. I am here to support you in your journey to change, healing and living a more fulfilling life.

Imagine living your best life! We all face challenges and difficulties in life. For some it is trauma, others experience chronic health issues, not to mention day-to-day stressors of society's unrealistic demands and expectations. No one goes through life without experiencing the struggle. Our time together is spent exploring what is in the gap between where you are and where you desire and hope to be. Our time together is spent exploring what is in the gap between where you are and where you desire and hope to be. I guide individuals through the process to gain insight into what holds them back from realizing their goals.

I am committed to meeting YOUR needs! It is an incredibly brave thing to admit when we are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, are vulnerable, stuck, or just want someone to listen. When you work with Bridges, you are in a safe space where you will not be judged! Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families are all welcome at Bridges. I offer therapies to suit every need, and I enjoy working with people who are ready for change. Bridges offers HIPAA compliant Telemedicine, therefore serving ALL MT communities. The physical office is located in Billings. Let’s get you from where you are to where you want to be!

Transcendence; to rise above or go beyond the limits of to triumph over the negative restrictive aspects of : overcome to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits. I offer in-office and online counseling. I am devoted to helping to optimize the mental health of individuals in Montana, and improve access to counseling. Online counseling is a great option to engage in counseling and work toward a better quality of life. I have a holistic approach to counseling, and I work with my clients to incorporate their beliefs in counseling such as emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects.

I believe that we're all works in progress, having found this to be true of clients struggling with life changes to clients with the most complicated of problems--even young gang members, in whom I've had the privilege of seeing humanity and goodness. The role of therapist, for me, is one of empowering, bearing witness to life's bewilderment and suffering, and jointly creating a peace of mind and resilience, sometimes in the face of unresolved problems, while honoring one's own truth and rewriting our narratives in a way that makes sense to us as we make meaning to our lives.

Through a wealth of life experience, I bring to the session, knowledge and the ability to relate to others who are going through a challenging time. I focus on issues related to anxiety along with, depression, trauma, grief/bereavement, and life/transition issues. I have experience working with clients who feel lonely or are navigating through empty nest emotions.  I have worked with clients in many stages of adulthood to navigate the different nuances of life. My warm, compassionate, and direct approach can help support you as you explore past experiences, develop new skills, accept unwanted life events, and grow in new directions.

These challenging times are an excellent time to focus within, on family, and couples work. My role as a therapist is strongly influenced by my experience as a husband and father. My approach is practical, sincere, strength-based and gentle, but challenging. With 18+ years experience, I provide therapy for adults, couples, teens and families. I excel in work with mood disorders, relationships, and trauma resiliency. I believe therapy includes both psychological and spiritual wholeness, which I strive to support in those from all walks of life.

I can see clients throughout Montana via telehealth. I work with adolescent, adult, geriatric, multicultural, and LGBTQIA+ clients. My specialties include working with ADHD, ASD and sensory sensitivities, Depressive Disorders (MDD, Dysthymia, PMDD), Dissociative Disorders (DPD, DPR, DID), complex-interpersonal relationships (family members or partners with: NPD, substance-use, BPD, imprisonment, etc.), Social Anxiety, PTSD (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual), Suicidality, Somatic Disorders, Insomnia, Sexual Dysfunctions, Sex Positivity, Gender Dysphoria, and Burnout.

My top priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. A fundamental aspect of that is hearing and understanding where you are coming from. The most common issues I help with are emotional trauma, relationship difficulties, workplace difficulties and longer term mental health/illness issues. I worked in state government for 15 years. The understanding that I developed regarding how organizations tend to function is valuable in helping clients dealing with workplace issues.