Meet Erin Carlson | Master’s Level Counseling Intern

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Carlson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Finding a healthy work/life balance is extremely challenging as a single mom, working part-time, being in graduate school, and completing an internship. I tend to be a perfectionist, wanting to give 110% to everything I do. When I started seeing clients in my counseling practicum on top of already seeing clients at work, my own mental health started to suffer. With the help of one of my professors, I realized that self-care is an absolute requirement if I want to finish my degree and be successful in helping others. I also realized that self-care is not just bubble baths, manicures, and vacations. For me, self-care is saying no to some opportunities, working less hours, and scheduling time to be with my family or be alone. I can’t show up to support others without first showing up to support myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have wanted to be a counselor since I was about 16 years old. I struggled with my own mental health from a young age and was always grateful to the counselors in my life. I wanted to help others who were going through similar struggles as I had. However, I had so much self-doubt. I tried to find other ways to make a living and be successful, ignoring what I was really passionate about. I earned one degree in a completely different field and I worked for 10 years in another field. I also continued to work on my personal growth throughout that time. I really never thought I would get the opportunity to go back to school again but life can be very unpredictable. I ended up going back to college at 30 years old. And even then I tried to take the “easy” route by attempting an associate degree in nursing. It quickly became apparent that this was not the path for me. I took a required psychology class and I knew that was the field I belonged in. At that point in my life I was finally ready to do whatever it took to make it happen. I will be graduating with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling this fall and I know without a doubt that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. What I’ve learned and what I want to share with others is that you can do hard things! If something is important to you, if you light up inside and out when you’re doing it, do not give up on yourself! Life will surely throw roadblocks at you but you can overcome them. Map it out. Take it one challenge at a time. Make the next move. And before you know it, you’ll look back and be amazed at what you’ve accomplished.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Gloria’s restaurant and Legacy Hall in Plano. They have several great places to eat and fun events/concerts. You also can’t go wrong with Babe’s Chicken! The Perot Museum in Dallas is fun for a family outing. In the evenings I enjoy an arcade bar like FreePlay. Also the Vinyl Lounge in Denton for drinks and dancing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are numerous people who have supported and guided me on my journey to becoming a counselor. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, first and foremost. I’m also deeply grateful to Dr. Julia Smith for her genuine compassion and encouragement. Also my classmates who keep me sane, my friends who believe in me, and the clients who put their trust in me.

Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/counselingwitherin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwitherin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselingwitherin?trk=contact-info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counselingwitherinc

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-carlson-frisco-tx/1142220

Image Credits
Portraits: Dezember Dawn