About Me

Owner & Counselor

Practicing since 2013, I am interested in the intersections of mental health, sexual health, and spirituality. I believe in engaging others with compassion, curiosity, and respect both in my professional and personal life. I specialize in helping people develop emotional intelligence to create balance in personal living, social justice advocacy to promote community wellness, and sex affirming practices to help people embrace themselves and their relationships.

I began EWC to better address the needs of individuals, families, and communities through challenging stigma surrounding mental health, providing sexual information and support, and engaging in compassionate communication.

Research & Training

I obtained my Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During my training, I learned to be committed to preparing multiculturally competent, ethical, clinically skilled, and knowledgeable professionals for positions as counselor educators in university settings or as clinicians and/or counselor supervisors in schools and community settings. I continue to strive to acquire knowledge, values, and skills that are relevant to providing quality services to diverse populations. I obtained my M.A. in education and community mental health from Malone University in 2013.

License & Credentials

I am currently licensed as a LCMHC in North Carolina and in Florida. I am a graduate of two CACREP programs and part of the National Board of Certified counselors which ensure the highest national standards for practice.

NC: #11506

FL: #MH19561

NCC: #832431

Supervision

Coming Soon…

Supervision will provide oversight to counseling students, LMHCs, and independently licensed professionals who are wanting to gain more clinical and self awareness within their counseling practice.



 

Future Certifications

I am currently a member of the Sexual Health Alliance and working towards sex therapy certification and special certification for Consensual Non-Monogamy. I am sex-positive, kink, racial-justice, LGBTQ+, poly, and sex worker allied. I am also pursuing my supervision credential in Florida and North Carolina.

Dr. Erica Merrill

I am firm believer in the potential of humans. I’ve seen the potential for the terrible and the wonderful. I know that part of the human experience is to desire clear cut answers but that it takes time and skill to learn to lean into this ambiguous muck we call life. That ambiguity can leave us feeling tired, wounded, and disappointed, but I know above all else there is hope. While life has a way of stretching us, I believe in the undeniable tenacity of the human condition. I recognize that hope for growth, change, and second chances can bring about healing the most entrenched traumas. I believe we are all capable of learning from our mistakes, living a generous form of compassion (towards ourselves and others), and building the skills it takes to live the best version of ourselves.

I’m no stranger to heartbreak, hard work, and burnout. I’ve learned along the way to tread carefully when I fail, to embrace radical acceptance while establishing healthy boundaries, and to make space for things I cannot control.

I’m a mother, partner, traveler, lover, adventurer, and teacher. I consider myself spiritual, strengths-based, and a realist. With all of my training, I still have to remind myself to take deep breaths and to take one day at a time.

I’ve lived and practiced in Ohio, North Carolina, New Mexico and Florida. Every day, I look for the next adventure!