Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Thompson.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In 2018, I started my private practice as a psychotherapist here in San Diego. I was excited to be able to provide support for my clients in a setting where length of treatment and therapeutic approach could be based on clients’ needs and treatment goals rather than what that specific setting allowed. Previously in my career, I worked in dual diagnosis treatment programs and at a college counseling center. Length of treatment was largely determined by program length, insurance approval, and the academic schedule. Now, I could work with clients based on their individual timelines. Additionally, my work now focuses on utilizing IFS and EMDR in supporting clients. The clients who work with me know that these are the types of therapy that they are interested in. The clients are really motivated to do the work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2020, we all faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. For many therapists, this meant shifting from what was primarily in-person sessions to telehealth. Luckily, I had just added a telehealth option to my practice. This helped make this a more smooth transition as far as the technology needed to offer therapy to my clients. Still, this was a unique time. In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic was a collective trauma impacting people’s everyday lives in many ways: lives were lost, jobs were impacted, health was impacted, mental wellbeing was impacted, and so much more.
An additional challenge in private practice is sometimes feelings of isolation because you work alone in supporting your clients. I’ve always been really intentional in finding workspace where there are other therapists so that I have that opportunity to connect with colleagues. The previous suite I worked at experienced some transitions and challenges around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, smaller group of therapists who once worked at that location decided to find a new space together. The energy in the new suite is amazing. We also love the location, which is one block from Balboa Park. We have a truly wonderful group of therapists in our new suite. We all have our own individual businesses and the professional independence that comes with that. Also, we have the benefit of sharing space, which gives us the opportunity to consult with colleagues, make referrals to one another, and support clients together through sharing cases (e.g., someone works with a parent individually, and someone else works with the child), and to connect on both personal & professional levels.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Erica Thompson, LMFT, LPCC?
I utilize IFS and EMDR therapies to support adults in cultivating self-compassion, healing from past events, improving relationships, and being more present in their lives today. I work with a lot of individuals who have past trauma that has negatively impacted the way they view themselves and the world. For many, they have developed certain strategies for coping with stress or interacting with others that aim to prevent them from experiencing vulnerable thoughts & emotions. It’s how they’re trying to protect themselves and interact in the world. Some of these strategies work, and some may no longer work. Together, we work towards understanding why they do what they do, shifting strategies they want to shift, and ultimately improving the way they see themselves and their place in the world. Clients have a new understanding of themselves and more agency in their lives.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
So many things… most importantly not to take anything for granted. Also, it’s important to slow down so you can focus on the important things. I really enjoyed the time at home with my family. I also was able to reallocate time that would have been spent commuting to wellness including time for longer workouts. Now I adjust my work schedule to allow make more time for personal wellness and family time a priority.
Pricing:
- 50-minute sessions $205
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericathompsontherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericathompsontherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericathompsontherapy
