Erica Mickens

Erica Mickens, LMSW (she/her)

Therapist

Plymouth + Virtual Only

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Specialties:

• ADHD and Executive Functioning

• Anxiety

• Bullying and Social Skills

• Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation

• Depression

• Grief and Loss

• LGBTQI+

• Life Transitions (“Quarter-life Crisis” and Academic Transitions)

• Parenting

• Relationships

• Self-esteem

• Self-harming and Suicidal Thoughts

• Sleep Issues and Insomnia

• Stress and Burnout

• Substance Use

• Trauma

Works with:

• Adults

• Young adults

• Teens (14-19)

• Tweens (12-13)

Modalities:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Creative Expression/Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Meditation, Mindfulness, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Somatic Therapy

Rates:

$170/55 minute individual session - accepts BCBSM PPO & BCN

Get to know Erica…

• Where she studied

  Bachelor of Social Work
  Grand Valley State University
  

  Master of Social Work
  Grand Valley State University

• Who is your ideal client?

  My ideal client is anyone going through life changes and wants to find balance again. Whether they're going through messy breakups, preparing for college, changes in family dynamics or having difficulty dealing with the "everyday" struggles of life that you can't identify with.

• Why do you like being a therapist?

  I love being a therapist because I get to connect with people by becoming a part of their story and seeing them transform, grow, and heal.

• What's something you wish people knew about therapy?

  I wish people would know that it's not scary! I know there can be a lot of stigma around mental health and the perceptions that can come with it but I believe EVERYONE needs a therapist at SOME point in their lives, just as everyone needs a doctor at some point. Sometimes there are emergencies, sometimes we just need check ups, and sometimes there are underlying things that we had no idea about. But you won't know until you get in a space to freely express your true self without judgment.

• What does "success" in therapy look like to you?

  Success in therapy to me looks like healing whatever needs healing. Perhaps it's healing a habit you'd like to change, healing unhealthy thought patterns, or healing the disconnect between our thinking and our actions. In therapy, we'll work on gaining awareness of the things you'd like healed, and work on the tools that will not only help you heal but help you gain resilience as future issues arise.

• What's something you'd like clients to know about you (or how you work)?

  Clients should know that I value the therapeutic environment. Sit where you're comfortable, we can listen to the music you like.

What is your favorite place?
The bookstore. Despite the many unread books at home who would probably be jealous about a new purchase. Something about a bookstore just feels right.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lawyer. I was obsessed with the interrogation of Michael Crowe and Law & Order.

Favorite quote?
"Willingness does not make your life easier. What it will do, however, is make it easier for you to move through every experience that may confront you in life." -Iyanla Vanzant, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up"

Do you have any secret talents?
Creativity is my strong suit. I played piano for about 10 years and I like to paint/draw.

If you could make a rule for a day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be?
I would make a passion exploration day where everyone had to go and try new things that may make them happy. Part of the rule would include free (reasonable) access to anything needed for this exploration.