Eric Nielson

Gestalt

One of my primary influences is Gestalt Therapy and Gestalt Awareness Practice (a practice based in the Gestalt Therapy developed by Fritz Perls, and evolved by Richard and Christine Price). A primary tenet of Gestalt therapy is that, as we are able to come to greater awareness and acceptance of our experience in this moment, we allow the possibility of real and lasting growth and change.

Emotionally Focused

I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (or, 'EFT') in my work with couples and with families. I have done training with Sue Johnson, one of the progenitors of EFT, and am engaged in on-going supervision and training in this therapeutic model.

Personal Growth

As the writer and teacher Stephen Levine put it, “To heal is to touch with love that which was previously touched by fear.” A basic guiding principle in my work is that, when we are able to really see and accept where we are, and who we are, we begin to heal and grow. There is a trust I have found in this, that if we attend to what comes up in this place, it will lead us through.

Spirituality

I have a background in transpersonal psychology and spiritual studies, and a genuine love and appreciation for the many spiritual traditions of the world. If you are interested in incorporating your spiritual path into our work, let me know, and we can talk about how to bring this into to the therapeutic work we are doing together.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

A large part of my practice is working with couples. I think this work is particularly meaningful, as it gets to the heart of our ability to love and be loved. In my work with couples, I work primarily from a model called Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (often referred to simply as “EFT”). What I love about this model, simply put, is that it works. EFT has been well researched and has been demonstrated to be very effective with couples to facilitate lasting change.

Family Conflict

Working with families is very close to my heart. For most of us, the family is our most fundamental unit of relationship and community. My work with families draws from Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, both of which are based in an attachment perspective.

Parenting

One of the threads that has run through my work throughout my career is working with parents. I also have extensive experience working with adoptive and foster families, and working with families with children who struggle with things like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), difficulty with anxiety, anger or impulse control, and attachment issues.