Eric Schuck, LPCC

Clinical Director and Owner

Experience:

I have been working in the field of mental health since 2016. I use an integrated, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, as well as dialectical behavioral approaches to work with clients. One of the main focuses of the work I do with clients is on building an understanding of how thoughts, emotions and behaviors influence each other. I strive to support clients in changing maladaptive behavior using more adaptive coping strategies to reduce the impact of mental health symptoms. I encourage processing the sources of symptoms and developing a better understanding of their values and beliefs as it can be beneficial to identifying choices and changes that clients are satisfied with. I believe that the integrative, person-centered approaches to therapy allows for flexibility in meeting the individual needs of a client while building a relationship that supports recovery and growth.

I have a history of working with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues, personality disorders, trauma disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, psychotic disorders, illness anxiety disorder, mood disorders (depression & anxiety) and a variety of other diagnoses. I have worked in-home, community settings, residential treatment centers and outpatient therapy that has given me experience in working with a wide variety of life stages and diverse populations. I work with adults and adolescents ages 12 and up.

My Approach:

I use an integrated, person-centered, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches to work with clients. One of the main focuses of the work I do with clients is on building an understanding of how thoughts, emotions and behaviors influence each other. I strive to support clients in changing maladaptive behavior using more adaptive coping strategies to reduce the impact of mental health symptoms. I encourage processing the sources of symptoms and developing a better understanding of their values and beliefs as it can be beneficial to identifying choices and changes that clients are satisfied with. I believe that the integrative, person-centered approaches to therapy allows for flexibility in meeting the individual needs of a client while building a relationship that supports recovery and growth.

Treatment Approaches:

Couples:

In couples counseling I feel it is important to understand that there are 3 things that need attention, both individuals and the needs of the relationship. Developing an understanding of the individual's world views and expectations of the relationship are very helpful on sustaining a long-term healthy relationship.

Depression: 

My approach to depression entails working with clients to notice symptoms and build skills to help reduce the impact of them. Then working to explore potential root causes such as fixed beliefs, chemical imbalances, and self-defeating internal dialog. Once root causes are identified work can be done to challenge and change maladaptive beliefs or thought patterns. In some cases, referring out for medication management. I take a bio, psycho and social approach to depression and work with the client to explore changes that to improve their overall mental health.

Bipolar Disorder:

I have several years experience working with bipolar disorders in several settings. I find that providing education on skills and strategies for managing symptoms is effective. Once skills are developed, we can explore the rots of thought and behavioral patterns that impact mood, then work to develop a routine that supports stability in many domains of life and improves symptom management.

Anxiety: 

I use a skills-based lens to work with clients to develop skills to manage symptoms adaptively and then start exploring the roots of the issue. I often work with clients through a graded exposure lens to reduce anxiety symptoms through increasing comfort in previously uncomfortable environments/situations.

Psychotic Disorders:

I utilize a mix of psychoeducation models including Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills based approaches to manage and reduce symptom severity. This approach is very individualized and designed to meet specific needs as we all have a unique perspective and experience. My approach is guided by the client’s view of recovery and working with them to get as close to that vision as possible.

Substance Use/Addiction:

I have worked several years in residential co-occurring substance use and mental health treatment centers. I provide support in explore roots of use behaviors and exploring a plan to reduce or eliminate use from a harm reduction lens.