Erika Gilmore
Erika Gilmore, M.S.Ed, LPC is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. Erika specializes in child therapy, working with children (0-21) and their families who have experienced traumatic and stressful events in their lives, allowing them to create a joint-narrative, develop positive communication skills, learn effective ways of coping and strengthen bonds within the family.
While working with young children, Erika uses a child-centered approach with Individual Trauma Focused Play Therapy and Dyadic Trauma Focused Play Therapy. This method allows children who do not have the vocabulary to share through words, process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in an age appropriate way- such as through play and art. Erika also has experience with integrating other models within her practice as well depending on the needs of the client, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Psychoeducation/Parent Consultation, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Erika believes that every client comes to her with individualized strengths and interests that can be built upon in a safe environment to develop positive coping skills and techniques to heal from the past and move towards a healthier future.
Education & Experience
Erika Graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, then began working with children and their families who were in different stages of permanency within the Adoption and Foster Care System. During this time Erika presented at the State-Wide Adoption Network’s Permanency Conference entitled “Tackling Child Prep with Toddlers” to aid families and therapists in working with toddlers to cultivate socio-emotional skills, as well as process and create their own narratives. The tools from this presentation were published and utilized throughout the state. One of Erika’s proudest accomplishments during this time was creating 150+ page LifeBooks with children of all ages that they can utilize and continue to build upon throughout their life.
Erika continued her work with aiding clients of all backgrounds and ages in processing through their life events and creating their own narrative while delivering Trauma-Focused services within the community, school, and outpatient setting.
She has treated a range of clients including toddlers, school age children, teenagers, and adults in individual and family counseling settings.
Hobbies & Interests
During her free time, Erika enjoys engaging in her own self-care through sewing, painting, and hiking. Erika enjoys reading comics (which comes in handy when working with children learning coping skills!) and other fiction novels. Though the majority of her free time is spent playing with her overactive puppy, Loki.
How to Get Started
Erika provides in-person therapy at the Pittsburgh office as well as via online therapy for your convenience. You can reach us at 412-322-2129 or email us at info@counselingwellnesspgh.com to get started. Or contact us here.