ABOUT ERICA WESTPHAL, LMFT, PMH-C
Therapy for women in South Denver Metro and online throughout Colorado
Wherever you are right now, I’m glad you’re here.
I’m a South Denver-based therapist offering online counseling across Colorado.
I tend to work best with women who are thoughtful, capable, and used to being the one others rely on — even when they’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of themselves inside.
In our work together, I aim to offer a calm, nonjudgmental space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Therapy with me is collaborative, paced, and grounded in real life — not pressure or quick fixes.
Curious if therapy might help? You are welcome to reach out anytime.
When you’re used to having everyone else’s back—and need someone to have yours.
I believe therapy should fit you — not the other way around.
Some clients appreciate reflections or practices between sessions. Others prefer to do most of the work in the room. We’ll talk openly about what feels most helpful and adjust as we go.
I often work with women who appear pulled together on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves beneath the surface. My role is to offer thoughtful guidance and accountability when it’s useful — without a one-size-fits-all agenda.
You don’t have to explain everything to be understood.
There can be comfort in working with a therapist who has lived through similar experiences. For many clients, this means feeling less judged, less stigmatized, and less pressure to explain or justify what they’re going through.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I’m also a wife, a mother, and a cancer survivor. While my clinical training is foundational to my work, my lived experience also shapes how I show up in therapy.
For clients navigating cancer — whether personally or as a caregiver — this often means less explaining and more understanding from the start. There’s space here to talk honestly about fear, uncertainty, and the emotional impact that can linger long after active treatment ends.
A collaborative and grounded approach
Before starting private practice, I worked in agency and nonprofit settings with clients across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds. Those experiences reinforced my belief that therapy should be collaborative, engaging, and time-limited.
I don’t see myself as the expert on your life, but as a partner as you move toward greater clarity and confidence.
Therapy with me isn’t about eliminating difficult emotions. It’s about learning how to live alongside them while staying connected to what matters most to you.
I may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a highly directive or prescriptive approach, or if you’re hoping therapy will do the work for you. I value honesty, reflection, and shared responsibility — and aim to create a space that feels genuine, safe, and human.
While therapy can involve hard conversations, my goal is for you to feel seen, supported, and able to be yourself as we explore what matters most to you.
If you’re wondering what comes next
If this feels like it might be a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out for a consultation.
This is a chance to ask questions, share what’s bringing you here, and see whether working together feels right — without pressure.
You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. We’ll take it from there.
My Background & Training
Education
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, Arizona State University, 2003
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado and Arizona
Professional Affiliations
Member of the AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy)
Member of the Rocky Mountain Family Therapy Network
Training
Certified PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health)
Trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Trained in Family Systems, Solution-Focused, and Brief Family Therapy
Experience across diverse counseling settings, including crisis work, early childhood mental health, intensive case management, assisted living, and nursing home settings.
Support as you find your way
Mindful Pathways Counseling offers grounded, flexible support for women navigating life transitions, parenting challenges, and the emotional impact of cancer.