Hello, Erica!

We have news: Erica Walker is joining the Mezamé team as a therapist. Erica brings over two decades of experience in education, mentoring, and counseling to this practice. She specializes in trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and believes deeply in her clients’ self-determination.

Alongside seeing clients at Mezamé, Erica is a leader at Chicago HOPES for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth experiencing homelessness. A native of Chicago's South Side, Erica holds a Bachelor's degree from Harvard University with honors in African American Studies. She also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice.

We are sharing the highlights of our chat with Erica about her motivation to become a therapist, her approach, her client focus, and more.

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Why did you decide to become a therapist?

Therapy changed the course of my life at a young age. I left home at the age of 14 to attend college prep boarding school in New Hampshire. This was far from my home on the South Side of Chicago--literally and culturally. An advisor recognized the difficult transition I was experiencing, and recommended that I speak to a school counselor. This counselor was the first person with whom I shared the abuse I had experienced at home, and this weekly touchpoint with my counselor changed my life. He helped me move from a dark place to one where I felt empowered, respected, and seen. 

Since that time I have wanted to provide this support to others, and to serve as a guide for people navigating through difficult times in life, so they can recognize their own inner strengths, and ultimately live more authentically and fully. I feel that this is the most important type of work I can do. 

How would you describe your approach to working with a client?

I am client-centered, and seek to support clients in identifying their goals for themselves--I am really committed to client self-determination. This process is about uncovering and identifying what a person wants for themselves. I work with clients to help them identify the difference between what they want for themselves and their current reality, and then we develop plans to bring these two things closer together.

I specialize in trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I partner with my clients to reframe their narratives, so people can look at the facts of their life in a way that’s empowering and illuminates strength. 

What types of clients do you work with?

I have experience working with a wide diversity of clients. I have had extensive experience supporting children and youth, young parents and families in particular. I am also passionate about being a resource for people of color, to help people recognize the ways in which the systems we operate within create stress, and also working with those who are coping with grief and loss. 

What do you do to rebalance / refresh / restore?

My family and I enjoy riding our bikes together; we frequently ride to the lakefront or park, and immerse ourselves in nature. I am Jewish, and my spiritual practice is a constant source of guidance, inspiration and restoration. I am also an avid bibliophile, constantly reading and researching for my own growth and self development. Expressing my creativity energizes me--one of the ways in which I express this is through making jewelry.