Erika K. Patterson, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Certified in EMDR, NeuroMeditation, Yoga
As a therapist since 1996, I have continued to actively train in the field of psychology, while informing my work through ongoing explorations of approaches that deepen, integrate, and expand the traditional understanding of mental, physical, and spiritual health and healing.
I view therapy as a collaboration with my client to provide direct support, understand patterns contributing to emotional suffering, and discover effective ways to address difficulties. We work together to access strengths and resources, while experiencing new ways of being.
Professional Training
Doctoral degree, 2003-Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology
University of Missouri-Columbia
Masters Degree, 1996-Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology
University of Missouri-Columbia
Certified EMDR Therapist, 2008-Present
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher, 2010-2014
Certified Yoga Instructor, RYT200, 2013-Present
Certified NeuroMeditation Therapist, October, 2016-Present
Approach to Therapy
With a strong background in trauma recovery, neuromeditation, mindfulness, and yoga-based interventions, I have an integrative orientation within a general practice framework. Accessing the tenets of psychodynamic and trauma theories, yogic philosophy, meditation, and body-centered approaches, I focus on the whole person. My perspective on human suffering and change is based in the context of social inequality and informed by eastern philosophy.
Professional & Service Experience
I have worked as a therapist since 1996 in a variety of settings, including a family violence shelter, a residential substance abuse treatment center, a rural school system, university mental health centers, as a consultant to the division of family services, and in private practice. I have taught university level courses, provided outreach and training presentations, conducted psychological evaluations and intelligence testing, and developed and facilitated psychoeducational and psychotherapy groups. I have been trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and have practiced yoga and meditation for over 20 years.
I have coordinated several resource and outreach programs addressing issues such as: sexual and intimate partner violence, sexual health education, and social justice with regard to race, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation. I served as a board member for PRISM, a Gay-Straight Youth Alliance as well as for a local youth theater company. I was a volunteer for the Center Project,, a resource center for the LGBTQ community. I have been a member of racial justice groups, such as Race Matters and Whites Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). I served for two years on a task force to improve services to trans-identified patients in a university student health center, and Co-Founded the Transgender Health Network (www.transgenderhealthnetwork.org).
