Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Nieto.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I knew I had always wanted to be in a helping profession of some kind. As I made my way through my college years it became clearer that counseling and psychotherapy really spoke to me. Throughout my years, I have leaned on the support of therapy to help me get through the tough times of my life. I wanted to be able to give back the help, encouragement, growth, trust, and safety that was created for me with the different therapists in my life. I believe my purpose is to help heal the wounds that life can create and connect to the safety and trust that comes with self-love.
Educationally, I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Masters in Education in Professional Counseling. During my practicum and internship, I had the pleasure of working with adults with developmental disabilities and college students. It was a wonderful experience and continued to reinforce the path I was taking. Once I graduated, I landed as a Mental Health Clinician at a local juvenile court where I assessed, provided resources, and interventions for children, adolescents, and their families entering the court system. It was an eye-opening and educational experience.
I was offered an opportunity to work at a local IOP and PHP facility working with adults with addiction and other co-occurring disorders. During my time there, as a Primary Therapist, I facilitated individual, couples, families, and group therapy. The enjoyment and fulfillment I found in my work were more than I could have asked for. However, as my family grew, I found myself craving more flexibility in my personal schedule and more on-going connection with my clients. After much consideration, I decided to make the move into private practice with the goal to continue serving those that would dare to believe in themselves and change.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, the road has been a bumpy one. As I was transitioning out of my position with my previous company and into my own private practice my mother became ill. She required hospitalization and continuous care, which put a lot of pressure on me to become her caretaker while also caring for my young family. After a three month battle, her body couldn’t take anymore and she passed away. I had just started my own business a month before her tragic loss. I coped with my grief by staying busy.
Lucky for me, I surrounded myself with the support and love from family, friends, colleagues, and my own therapist who encouraged me to be kind and loving with myself as I grieved. I continued to work, but slowed down and was purposeful not to add too much to my plate. While I am still healing and finding my way through this loss, I am grateful for the lessons I continue to learn. I am reminded that when you step out into the unknown, there may be hurtling that unexpectedly happen and are completely out of your control. I believe every struggle has the opportunity to teach us some kind of lesson.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Moving into private practice gives me the opportunity to do the deeper, connecting work with my clients. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at and helping them to find their truest self and work towards their needs and goals. Too often our society tells us to do more, be more without stopping. Creating a safe space for clients to come in and have time devoted specifically to them and their needs is everything I could ask for.
My private practice serves individuals, couples, and families ages thirteen and older. My areas of specialty include substance use disorders, attachment issues, healing trauma wounds, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Unfortunately, mental health and addiction continue to be a major struggle and a polarizing issue. As a psychotherapist, it is troubling the stigma created when someone has a mental health or substance use disorder. This stigma can make seeking help and support even more difficult. My greatest hope is that this industry continues to grow and become louder advocates for those who are struggling and suffering. The more education and acknowledgment of our society’s growing needs and struggles the greater the opportunity can be for healing and change.
I am seeing a change and more advancement towards Telemental Health. There are greater options out there for video therapy session rather than face-to-face sessions. In our busy and ever-expanding society, having an option to take a lunch break and have therapy wherever you are currently is an appealing option for many. A client doesn’t have to worry about driving across town to see me when they can have access to be through video chat and still remain HIPPA compliant and confidential. While this option does not appeal to everyone, it is an option that is being accessed more and more by those that need more flexibility.
Contact Info:
- Address:11805 Northfall Lane, Ste 803
Alpharetta, GA 30009 - Website:erinnietolpc.com
- Phone:678-643-1919
- Email:enietolpc@gmail.com
- Instagram:instagram.com/erinnietolpc/
- Facebook:facebook.com/erinnietolpc/
Image Credit:
Colby Fiore Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
