Bayside Therapy Associates, LLC. » Erik Papritz Erik Papritz, M.A. Bayside Therapy Associates 1210 – 10th Street Suite 203 Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: (360) 734-7310, ext. 4142 Fax: (360) 714-1015 Professional and Educational Background Erik Papritz, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, earned his B.A. degree in psychology at Western Washington University in 1988 and his M.A. degree in counseling psychology at Antioch University in Seattle, 1994. He has worked in the mental health field since 1991 providing case management and therapy services for individuals, couples, groups and families. He has been in private practice since 2001 focusing on work with individuals and couples. Erik’s post-graduate training includes John Gottman’s Marital Therapy, E.M.D.R. Level II, nutritional approaches to improving mental health and Internal Family Systems Therapy among numerous other trainings. Treatment Philosophy As a therapist, Erik gets to the heart of a client’s concerns by establishing a safe and trusting relationship and moving forward collaboratively toward achieving the client’s goals. He assists each client in finding a balance between change and acceptance, analyzing and experiencing, and journeying inward and taking action. Erik believes in the uniqueness and value of every person. He encourages creativity in finding solutions and new perspectives, and views life’s tests and difficulties as opportunities to grow and realize one’s full potential. He believes there is always a good reason why a person is feeling, thinking or behaving in the way that they are, and that if we can explore and understand these without judgment, then we can begin to heal and transform these parts of a person. Through this process of growth, a person’s behaviors begin to line-up with their core values, increasing self-confidence and giving a sense of fulfillment and mastery over one’s life, moving a person towards truly living the life they want to live rather than only getting by. Areas of Specialization Erik works with adults, older adolescents, and couples. The following are some of the issues he works with. Depression Anxiety, panic, phobias Recovery from trauma or abuse Codependency and self-esteem Grief and Loss Anger management Spiritual meaning and purpose questions Addiction and substance abuse Relationship issues Nutritional approaches to mental health Personal Information Erik is a long-time Bellingham resident and is busy raising his three children. They enjoy nature walks, camping, and family adventures. Erik also enjoys playing tennis and basketball, and learning about geography, history and environmental issues.