Hello! I’m Erin Mercer and I would be happy to help you in whatever area of your life that brought you to Better Help. First, let me tell you a little bit about myself, so that you can see if I am the right fit for you. I am a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and also have a MA in Counseling from Wayne State University and have a NT (School Counseling) certification in Michigan. Credentials aside, I have always had a knack for helping others work through their issues. I began my career teaching, but soon realized that helping both students and their parents with the social/emotional aspect of school was where I felt my strengths were, so I went back to get the credentials needed to do what I love doing. In my personal life and in counseling sessions, I am the go-to person if you want someone who is down-to-earth and warm so that you feel comfortable sharing whatever is troubling you. I have experience counseling in areas such as relationships (family, friends and couples), anxiety/depression, stress, life changes and parenting. First and foremost, I do take a person-centered approach to counseling. This means that during sessions, I will be genuine and honest with my feelings, so that clients will feel comfortable doing the same. I also will create a positive environment of unconditional support and understanding so that clients can grow in their own self-awareness. I also use techniques from various theories depending on what an individual client would like to accomplish during sessions. These techniques are nothing to be nervous about; just maybe some journaling, role playing an upcoming difficult situation or a little “homework” of something small to try before the next session. Just remember that my main goal is for you to be comfortable throughout the counseling journey.