Dr. Erica Shick LCPC, LMHC

• Illinois, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 180.009732
• Florida, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, TPMC4321

Early on in my career many of the patients I treated in the hospital for severe depression and anxiety were really suffering from childhood complex trauma symptoms. These experiences taught me most patients were prisoners of their past traumas and current thoughts and emotions. They often felt stuck, hopeless, sad, had low energy, and had poor relationships if any. Some patients appeared to be successful in careers and have the ability to take on a lot but still had an overwhelming sense of sadness. Because of the nature of the level of care in the hospitals, I couldn't address the core of their problems. The best I could do is help them identify that the past was more than likely affecting their present day. Both the patients and I were frustrated with the lack of progress and I just couldn't believe there weren't more ways to help. So I was led to open a practice to dedicate to the treatment of adult survivors of childhood trauma and dysfunctional families. Better Wellness Counseling is committed to helping clients be the person they want to be by identifying who they are without the story of the past blocking them from who they were born to be. Clients learn to live in the present moment rather than yesterday or tomorrow, gain a new perspective, and learn how to stop the fight with the depression and anxiety monsters.