Erin Elking, PLPC, mood disorder therapist with Open Arms Wellness in St. Louis, MO

Erin Elking, PLPC

Therapist in St. Louis

Meet Erin – Supportive, Empathic Therapy for a Life Worth Living

Hi, I’m Erin, a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and endorsed by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I’m so glad you’ve found your way here—reaching out for support is a powerful first step, and it shows incredible courage.

I work with individuals navigating deep emotional pain, identity questions, and the complexities of trauma, mood disorders, and personality-related struggles. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by emotion, battling self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or just trying to survive the day-to-day, I provide a safe, validating space where you are heard, respected, and never alone.

What I Offer

I offer individual therapy sessions rooted in empathy, trust, and authenticity. My work centers on helping you create a life that feels meaningful—where peace, connection, and stability are possible. I support clients working through:

  • Mood Disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety
  • Personality Disorders, including BPD, NPD, and Antisocial traits
  • Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD, including childhood trauma and sexual abuse
  • Family and Relationship Conflict
  • Domestic Violence and Emotional Abuse
  • Identity Development and LGBTQIA+ Support

Our work together will focus on building coping skills, managing emotional overwhelm, and moving toward a version of life that feels grounded and authentic.

Why Choose Erin?

  • Relational, Not Clinical: I strive to create a genuine, human-to-human connection—not just a diagnosis-and-treatment relationship.
  • Specialized in Emotionally Intense Work: I have a passion for helping clients with complex mental health needs, especially those living with Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harming behaviors, and trauma.
  • Compassion-First Therapy: You’ll never be judged or dismissed. My approach is built on unconditional positive regard and a deep belief in your ability to heal.
  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming: I offer a welcoming space for all identities and lived experiences.
  • You Set the Pace: Whether you're ready to dive deep or take it slow, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

Client Focus

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are:

  • Managing intense emotions or mood swings
  • Recovering from trauma, abuse, or neglect
  • Experiencing Borderline, Narcissistic, or Antisocial Personality traits
  • Struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, or chronic impulsivity
  • Facing anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive thoughts
  • Exploring gender identity or navigating LGBTQIA+ related concerns
  • Working through family conflict, relationship breakdowns, or divorce
  • Seeking relief from chronic stress, low self-worth, or disconnection

Therapeutic Modalities I Use

My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that people thrive when they feel seen, safe, and supported. I draw from:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – For emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helping clients connect with values and create meaningful change
  • Attachment-Based Therapy – For exploring early relational wounds and patterns
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – To enhance emotional connection and reduce relational distress
  • Existential and Humanistic Therapies – Encouraging authenticity and personal meaning
  • Narrative Therapy – Helping you rewrite the story you tell yourself
  • Person-Centered Therapy – Grounded in empathy and unconditional support
  • Interpersonal Therapy – For improving relational functioning
  • Psychoanalytic Insight Work – Exploring unconscious beliefs and internal conflicts
  • Strength-Based & Trauma-Focused Therapies – Building resilience through healing

What Clients Say

“Erin creates such a warm, welcoming space. I feel truly heard and understood in her office, and it’s been life-changing to have the support I need.”
— Client Testimonial

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

You deserve to feel whole, worthy, and understood. If you’re struggling with trauma, identity, mood, or emotional regulation, I’m here to help you build a life that feels truly worth living.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation and let’s begin this journey—together, with compassion and courage.

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