Erika Settles

I was initially exposed to therapy as a teen. For the first time, I experienced what it was like to have a safe space where I felt heard and understood. That experience taught me that our stories matter. They shape us, and sometimes they need to be validated, reframed, or retold in ways that bring healing.

My approach is relational, collaborative, and values-driven. I support clients in identifying what matters most to them and in releasing internalized stories that no longer serve them. Together, we work toward a more self-authored, liberated version of themselves. We might explore how early relationships influence how they show up today, name the places they’ve been silenced, honor the strengths they’ve carried, and discover new ways of responding to old wounds. While I may sometimes offer gentle challenges, my intention is always to nurture self-compassion and lessen shame. I hold space without pressure, stay curious, and invite a sense of possibility. What keeps me going in this work is the privilege of walking alongside people as they embrace their fullest selves, especially those who have been overlooked, misunderstood, or silenced.

I see therapy as a collaborative and empowering space where each client’s story is at the center, and their voices leads. I bring warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for every individual’s lived experience. My approach integrates narrative therapy, attachment-based therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI), and liberation-focused frameworks. I pay attention to the personal, generational, and systemic layers of a client’s story, exploring patterns, rewriting narratives, and creating space for growth, healing, and freedom.

Though originally from California, I’ve lived in North Carolina, Hawaii, New York, and spent most of my life in Texas. Outside of therapy, you’ll find me writing, exploring national parks, traveling, or getting lost in a good book. I also enjoy mixed media art and vision boarding. My home is full of art, stories, and the beautiful chaos of family life.