Erik Flaten, QMHP, Counseling Intern

My work as a counselor is informed by many years of supporting adolescents, young adults, individuals and families navigating all of life's challenges, as well as addiction and recovery. These experiences have shaped my belief that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process and that meaningful change begins with understanding each person’s unique story. 

I approach counseling with curiosity and collaboration, supporting clients and their families in defining what healing and growth mean for them. I integrate mindfulness-based practices and meditation traditions to help clients develop greater awareness, emotional regulation, and connection to themselves. I am trained in Brainspotting and draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support emotional processing, attachment work, trauma recovery, and substance use concerns. 

My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in existential perspectives, creating space to explore meaning, identity, and life transitions. I value intuitive and body-aware ways of working that honor each client’s inner experience and lived wisdom. I also believe in the therapeutic value of the natural world and view nature as a co-facilitator in the healing process. Spending time outdoors is an important part of my own grounding, and I thoughtfully integrate nature-based perspectives when appropriate.

Alongside reflective and experiential work, I enjoy collaborating with clients and their families in action-oriented ways, including goal setting, skill-building, and exploring holistic health across emotional, physical, relational, and lifestyle domains. I strive to create a supportive and respectful space where clients and families feel empowered to build clarity, resilience, and a life aligned with their values.