Professional and Educational Background
Hello I’m Erik Papritz, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I earned my B.A. degree in psychology at Western Washington University in 1988 and my M.A. degree in counseling psychology at Antioch University in Seattle in 1994. I’ve worked in the mental health field since 1991 providing case management and therapy services for individuals, couples, groups, and families. I have been in private practice since 2001 focusing on work with individual adults. My post-graduate training includes John Gottman’s Relationship Therapy, E.M.D.R. Level II, nutritional approaches to improving mental health, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Lifespan Integration Therapy CIMBS (Complex Integration of Multiple Brain Systems), Somatic Trauma Therapy, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and Brain Spotting among numerous other trainings.
Treatment Philosophy
As a therapist, I get to the heart of a client’s concerns by establishing a safe and trusting relationship and moving forward collaboratively toward achieving your goals. I assist you in finding a balance between change and acceptance, analyzing and experiencing, and journeying inward and taking action. I believe in the uniqueness and value of every person. I encourage creativity in finding solutions and new perspectives, and view life’s tests and difficulties as opportunities to grow and realize one’s full potential. I believe there is always a good reason why you are feeling, thinking or behaving in the way that you are, and that if we can explore and understand these without judgment, then we can begin to heal and transform these parts of you. Through this process of growth, your behaviors begin to line-up with your core values, increasing self-confidence and giving a sense of fulfillment and mastery over your life, moving you towards truly living the life you want to live rather than only getting by.
Areas of Specialization
I work with individual adults. The following are some of the issues I work with.
-
- Depression
- Anxiety, panic, phobias
- Recovery from trauma or abuse
- Codependency and self-esteem
- Grief and Loss
- Anger management
- Spiritual meaning and purpose questions
- Relationship issues
- Nutritional approaches to mental health
Please Note: I do not do legal work or reports including disability determination, immigration, etc. I also do not work with legal issues, report writing, or emotional support animal documentation
Personal Information
I’m a long-time Bellingham resident and have three grown children. I enjoy nature walks, camping, tennis, and family adventures. I also enjoy learning about geography, history and environmental issues. I generally work Monday through Friday and do not work evenings.
Learn how to Make an Appointment