Each individual possesses what they need to heal, gain mastery over their lives, and evolve to their fullest human potential. While this innate desire to evolve is within each person, there are many factors that prevent people from doing so. Through clinical and personal experience, Erica has found that a key element to personal growth is embracing a yogic concept known as Aparigraha.
'Apari' is short for the Sanskrit word Aparigraha, which translates to "non-possessiveness" or "non-attachment." Aparigraha is the last of five ethical guidelines known as Yamas, the first branch in Patanjali's Eight Limbed Path of Yoga as written in the Yoga Sutras. As creatures of habit, humans naturally develop attachments and patterns, which range from being extremely vital to existence to being detrimental to one's health. For example, having a secure attachment to our caregiver in early childhood is beneficial for emotional development whereas attachment in the form of addiction or obsession creates significant mental stress. Once we recognize where these attachments are coming from, we are more capable of freeing up space in our minds and our lives for positive changes to take place. However, let's not be confused - this is no easy task and easier said than done.
The Apari Wellness site and services approach personal growth through the lens of mental health therapy and yoga philosophy. Erica's intention is to support people on their journey to learn more about who they are and what attachments they need to release physically, mentally, and emotionally. The services and resources offered here are designed to help you find balance among the natural ebbs and flows of life, so you can let go of what you no longer need to let in what makes you more whole.
'Apari' is short for the Sanskrit word Aparigraha, which translates to "non-possessiveness" or "non-attachment." Aparigraha is the last of five ethical guidelines known as Yamas, the first branch in Patanjali's Eight Limbed Path of Yoga as written in the Yoga Sutras. As creatures of habit, humans naturally develop attachments and patterns, which range from being extremely vital to existence to being detrimental to one's health. For example, having a secure attachment to our caregiver in early childhood is beneficial for emotional development whereas attachment in the form of addiction or obsession creates significant mental stress. Once we recognize where these attachments are coming from, we are more capable of freeing up space in our minds and our lives for positive changes to take place. However, let's not be confused - this is no easy task and easier said than done.
The Apari Wellness site and services approach personal growth through the lens of mental health therapy and yoga philosophy. Erica's intention is to support people on their journey to learn more about who they are and what attachments they need to release physically, mentally, and emotionally. The services and resources offered here are designed to help you find balance among the natural ebbs and flows of life, so you can let go of what you no longer need to let in what makes you more whole.
About Erica
Erica currently holds a professional psychotherapy license in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and is a registered experienced yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (RYT-500). Erica graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology from University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Arts in mental health therapy from Boston College. Within the mental health realm, she has completed trainings in trauma informed care, yoga for mental health, and mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy. She has experience working with young children, adolescents, families, and adults from diverse backgrounds who have experienced anxiety, depression, generational trauma, and substance abuse in Baltimore City public schools.
Erica specializes in anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma related concerns, and yoga and mindfulness as tools for mental health. She enjoys using metaphors and imagery when discussing mental and emotional patterns to help her clients build insight and understanding. Sessions may involve identifying patterns of thought, concrete skill building such as cognitive restructuring, and emotional processing. The primary theoretical perspectives she applies in sessions are Psychodynamic Theory, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
After having learned a wide range of Western psychological theories in graduate school to "fix" an individual, Erica found the holistic philosophy of yoga refreshing. She draws from both sources when working with clients in therapy and in the studio. As a yoga instructor, her intention for classes and teacher training is to bring yoga into the hearts of others as more than just a physical practice. Erica enjoys exploring postures through thematic sequencing, emphasizing alignment and balance, and weaving in elements of yoga philosophy to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Trust, compassion, humor, and non-attachment are values she strives to embody whether in the office, studio, at home, on a hike, or with friends and family.
Grateful for each moment of her own journey, Erica keeps this practice and lifestyle close to her heart, and is thrilled to share it with you.
Licensure:
LC7686 State of Maryland
PC012736 State of Pennsylvania
Past Offerings & Experience Include:
Private Practice Psychotherapist
School-Based Therapist with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical System
Group Therapy Coordinator and Leader
Co-leader and Mentor in 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings
Co-leader for Yoga Retreats in Vermont, USA and Tulum, Mexico
Introduction to Vinyasa Yoga & Yoga Philosophy Lectures
Mindfulness & Mental Health Workshops
Arm Balance, Inversion, and Yoga for Athletes Workshops
Erica specializes in anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma related concerns, and yoga and mindfulness as tools for mental health. She enjoys using metaphors and imagery when discussing mental and emotional patterns to help her clients build insight and understanding. Sessions may involve identifying patterns of thought, concrete skill building such as cognitive restructuring, and emotional processing. The primary theoretical perspectives she applies in sessions are Psychodynamic Theory, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
After having learned a wide range of Western psychological theories in graduate school to "fix" an individual, Erica found the holistic philosophy of yoga refreshing. She draws from both sources when working with clients in therapy and in the studio. As a yoga instructor, her intention for classes and teacher training is to bring yoga into the hearts of others as more than just a physical practice. Erica enjoys exploring postures through thematic sequencing, emphasizing alignment and balance, and weaving in elements of yoga philosophy to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Trust, compassion, humor, and non-attachment are values she strives to embody whether in the office, studio, at home, on a hike, or with friends and family.
Grateful for each moment of her own journey, Erica keeps this practice and lifestyle close to her heart, and is thrilled to share it with you.
Licensure:
LC7686 State of Maryland
PC012736 State of Pennsylvania
Past Offerings & Experience Include:
Private Practice Psychotherapist
School-Based Therapist with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical System
Group Therapy Coordinator and Leader
Co-leader and Mentor in 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings
Co-leader for Yoga Retreats in Vermont, USA and Tulum, Mexico
Introduction to Vinyasa Yoga & Yoga Philosophy Lectures
Mindfulness & Mental Health Workshops
Arm Balance, Inversion, and Yoga for Athletes Workshops