Female Therapists in Salem, OR

Life has many up and downs and it all a journey, everyone has a different path to get to our destination. Therapy is process it is not perfect, but I will support you as you walk this path. I do not believe therapy is a one size fits all process, each person is as different as the therapy process. I believe the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is the most important relationship, I hold no judgements and I strive to make the client feel comfortable and supported.

When working with clients I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. We become a team working toward your goals, and I place significant value on honesty, authenticity, humor, compassion, validation, and accountability into our work together. Since starting my counseling practice I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing various challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, gender dysphoria, grief, interpersonal issues, life transitions, adoption, self-esteem, bipolar II disorder, and more.

My passion is supporting all new mothers and mothers-to-be as they navigate the journey of motherhood. While there's a wealth of information on pregnancy and prenatal care, there's very little out there to support mothers, babies, and families during the postpartum phase.

Life is not a straight road, but a winding path. Around each corner may be a new challenge. As a therapist I am here to help you navigate your “path” and enrich your journey. My specializations lie in helping teens and adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Whether this is a result of stress, life transitions, grief, loss, divorce, career or education challenges, self-esteem, chronic conditions, or as a result of the aging process. I am licensed in Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Wyoming.

I work with individuals, couples, and families hoping to heal past trauma, improve communication and find new possibilities. You may be feeling anxious, depressed, and confused about what your next steps in life should be. These feelings may be related to relationship distress, problems in communication with family members, big life changes, or work stress. I work collaboratively with individuals, families and partners who want to foster connection and form deeper, more loving relationships.

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or hopeless? My role as your counselor is to provide you with an environment where you can share your concerns and feelings safely. I strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect. I will serve you with kindness, respect, honesty and professionalism. Trust is essential to the counseling relationship. I understand that trust is something that develops over time and I make it my priority to gain your trust through listening, being authentic, non-judgmental, affirming, and empathetic.

Updated 9/12/23: Accepting new virtual clients. - By deciding to engage in therapy you have already made a commitment to bettering yourself and initiating change. Let’s celebrate that! Taking a meaningful look at our day-to-day lives and pasts can be daunting-let’s create a tender and safe atmosphere to wade through this process together. Too often, our mental health challenges are reduced to diagnosis, labels, and text-book definitions that don’t quite fit—my approach departs from these systems and is more rooted in holistic and relational healing.

Neurodiverse clients I have worked with said they felt understood and supported and said that I genuinely care about them. I encourage neurodiverse communication styles, ways of thinking, and varieties of emotional expression. I will follow your lead on what you want out of therapy. The autistic community has a higher rate of trans and nonbinary gender identities which I celebrate. I also have a master’s degree in child development. I focused on sexual development and attachment theory. I support all sexualities and ethical relationship styles. I also studied healthy racial identity development in people of color and white people.

I believe that recovery is a process which requires active, continuous involvement from the client, the therapist, and the entire treatment team. According to this belief, the four stages of recovery are hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and establishing a meaningful role in life. The individual most responsible for a successful treatment outcome is you (the client). With your consistent effort and willingness to engage with your therapist the kind of change you are hoping for can and will occur.

My goal as a counselor is to assist you in your journey of living a more authentic and fulfilling life. I work with teens and adults, 14 years and older. My approach to counseling is person-centered, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space for you to explore the challenges and patterns preventing you from achieving your goals and to discover your unique path for spiritual, emotional, social, and mental wellness. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, depending upon each individual’s needs, informed by CBT, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

Sometimes life is hard and having someone you can talk to who is educated, experienced and honest can be beneficial in helping you find ways to deal with hard times. Therapy is a great tool that will allow you to have a better understanding of who you are and why you feel and react the way that you do or why you don't! I believe that therapy is not something that is "cookie cutter" it is individualized to every person based on a combination of things. Therapy is effective when you have an open mind and are willing to make changes, while understanding that the process to getting yourself to a better mental/emotional place takes time.

I believe that everyone can explore past experiences that can effect relationships, and learn how to develop healthy community. Live a full productive life today, with healthy relationships, is what we all seek. I have a desire to help people overcome obstacles that get in the way of reaching goals and to move from existing to thriving, and most important, a desire to help individuals utilize their internal strengths to address and find answers to life’s difficult questions.

Erin Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Oregon, with over two decades of clinical experience. As a highly sensitive person with a passion for integrating trauma-informed care across all systems of care, empathy is the driving force behind Erin’s work. Drawing eclectically from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, existentialism, systems theory, polyvagal theory, and positive disintegration, Erin uses each moment as a guide for the next. Erin is also known for encouraging creativity throughout the therapeutic process.

Life can be challenging in any individuals life, so many obstacles, trials, hurt, pain, trauma can inhibit our potential to prosper. I want to support individual to succeed at their full capability. I enjoy supporting others in overcoming the silent issues they bury underneath self-awareness and creating pathways for them to flourish in hope and transformation.

Newly established private practice now accepting clients! I can't wait to meet you and hear about your personal journey! By helping you to become present in the here and now, I believe that I can help facilitate a nurturing, compassionate, and holistic environment where wellness can begin to manifest itself allowing for growth and change. I believe people have the ability to change inhibiting thinking and/or behavior to produce a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling lifestyle.

I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. If you are Neurodiverse, BIPOC or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you are welcome here. I offer a safe, non-judgemental haven and space for those seeking understanding and validation. I believe in allowing individuals to externalize their issues rather than internalize them while also developing skills and a sense of purpose to navigate through difficult times.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious, low energy, overwhelmed, or angry? Do you feel disconnected in your relationships? Would you like someone to explore your feelings, values, and experiences with? Do you feel your relationship may be abusive, or are you still struggling from a past abusive relationship? I have experience treating anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, trauma, depression, substance abuse and chronic pain, I can help you explore how alcohol and drug use affect your emotional health, and support you in reaching a more balanced place in your life.

If you notice you feel “stuck” changing negative thoughts, find you want to improve your relationships, or recognize that a traumatic history is impacting your life today, you don’t need to navigate these experiences alone. I also hold a special place for new parents doing their best to maintain balance and adjusting to their new role.

This life can be hard to navigate for anyone. It can be particularly challenging when you have experienced trauma, relational conflict, and emotional instability. You may find yourself fearful of deep connections with others while still deeply desiring support and compassion. If this sounds familiar, I am here to help. In addition to working with individuals who find themselves in these situations, I am passionate about working with people who experience anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, psychosis, and/or mood swings. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you feel I can support you in meeting your goals.