Erin Ernst,

LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker

Atlanta Location

WHO I WORK WITH:

AGES 6 – Adulthood

AREAS OF SPECIALITY:

      • Anxiety
      • Depression
      • Trauma
      • Grief/Loss
      • Self-Harm
      • Suicidal Ideation
      • Self-Esteem
      • Interpersonal Relationship Challenges
      • Abusive Relationships
      • OCD
      • ADHD
      • Anger
      • Family Conflicts
      • Mood Disorders

Hi! I'm Erin.

Whether you or your child have been in therapy before or if this is a new step, I’m so glad you’re here.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to supporting clients through life’s challenges and helping them build meaningful, fulfilling lives.

I have been working with individuals and families in various capacities as a therapist, teacher, and social worker for nearly 10 years, focusing on supporting growth and development across different stages of life. Prior to joining Early Connections, I gained experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including family court, domestic violence shelters, homes and the community, and in elementary, middle, and high schools. As a school-based therapist in the Sandy Springs area, I honed my skills as part of an interdisciplinary team supporting students with a range of presenting issues. I collaborated closely with psychiatrists, teachers, counselors, administrators, 504 coordinators, and special education instructional support staff to create holistic, coordinated support systems for students. I believe that effective support systems are built through collaboration, creativity, and a deep understanding of each individual’s needs.

I am passionate about approaching every situation with an empathy-first mindset, and empowering my clients to advocate for themselves. I practice from a strengths-based perspective and help my clients identify and utilize their strengths to help them face challenges and adversity with confidence. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, frustrated, or scared, this a safe place to explore those feelings and set goals to create meaningful change. Maybe you know exactly what your goals are or maybe you’re not sure where to start, but wherever you are in your journey, I am ready to meet you there.

Outside of sessions, I love on my very snuggly cat, Lita, collect vinyl records, and bake!

Education & Trainings
  • Master of Social Work (2022)
  • Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Training Certification
Modalities & Interventions Used
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-Focused CBT
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Play Therapy
  • Expressive Arts Therapy

What Does a Session Look Like With Me?

I aim to make therapy approachable, comfortable, and tailored to the client and their needs. I prioritize creating a therapeutic space where clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves. I believe that building a strong rapport through empathy and humor is essential for fostering trust and making clients feel heard and valued. Humor can be a powerful tool for easing tension, while empathy allows me to truly connect with clients on a deeper level, helping them feel safe enough to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

I always begin with a check-in on how things have been going since the last session, then discuss goals for the session, and then dive into exploring ongoing issues or new challenges that are top of mind for the client. I draw upon narrative therapy to help clients explore and reframe the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and transform unhelpful thought patterns, and motivational interviewing to empower clients to make meaningful changes in their life. I utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients to both accept what they cannot change and also adapt and make changes where they can. Additionally, I incorporate expressive arts therapy as a creative tool for self-expression and healing, using a variety of multimedia approaches such as playlists, drawing, painting, collages, vision boards, poetry, and more. When working with younger children, I incorporate play therapy to help them explore what they may not yet have the language to express, and to help them practice social skills and emotional regulation. I use psychoeducation and mindfulness with all clients across the lifespan to help them to better understand their mental health, and ultimately, themselves.

To close, we typically set goals for the week, discuss any homework (if applicable), and make sure the next session is scheduled.

Favorite Modalities & Therapeutic Interventions

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I bring a comprehensive and person-centered approach to therapy that is grounded in social work ethics and values.

At the core of my practice are person-centered theory, a strengths-based framework, and trauma-informed care. Person-centered theory emphasizes creating a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel genuinely seen and valued. This approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing and growth. The strengths-based framework focuses on identifying and building upon each client’s unique abilities and resources, helping them recognize their resilience and potential even in the face of challenges. Trauma-informed care recognizes the profound impact that past traumatic experiences can have on emotions, behaviors, and relationships. It emphasizes safety, trust, and understanding, ensuring that therapy is sensitive to these experiences and avoids re-traumatization. By combining these approaches, I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship that fosters trust, encourages self-exploration, and helps clients develop self-awareness, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

I also emphasize the importance of collaboration in providing effective care. My social work background has instilled in me a passion for interdisciplinary teamwork, and I frequently work alongside teachers, school staff, and medical providers to create comprehensive support systems for my clients. This holistic approach ensures that the therapeutic work extends beyond the individual and considers the broader context of their lives. Additionally, I prioritize the involvement of parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, especially when working with tweens and teens. I believe that family dynamics play a significant role in the emotional and behavioral development of young people. By engaging parents and caregivers, we can create a supportive and empathetic environment that extends beyond the therapy room and into the home. I work to ensure that families feel informed, supported, and empowered to actively participate in their child’s progress. This collaboration often includes providing parents with tools and strategies to reinforce therapeutic work at home, as well as helping them navigate challenges that arise outside of therapy sessions. Ultimately, this partnership strengthens the therapeutic process and fosters lasting, positive change in the client’s life.

My goal is to help clients and their families create meaningful change by fostering resilience, enhancing self-understanding, and building stronger connections with themselves and others.

If you would like to schedule an intake session with me, please schedule a time to speak with our Client Care Coordinator to set things up!