Erica McCalden

As a long-time Durango resident, parent of young children, and former school social worker, I have a deep, personal understanding of the joys and challenges that come along with raising healthy humans in our beautiful and remote area. I highly value the power of connection and community in the work of growing up and being a parent, and I truly enjoy helping families appreciate, engage, and connect with each other in new, more meaningful ways. My style is genuine, light, and down to earth, and I work to foster feelings of safety, trust, hope, and connection.

I specialize in helping children who struggle with emotional regulation and social skills resulting in low self-esteem, challenging behaviors, and school problems. I work with school-aged children who have experienced trauma and/or been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, or other behavioral health disorders. With a comprehensive understanding of school-based interventions and Special Education, I have helped many parents and families learn to navigate challenges at school and be a strong, realistic advocate for their child.

I empower clients to set meaningful, attainable goals for themselves, and together we create real solutions for complex issues in their lives. I use therapeutic approaches grounded in Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Social Thinking, Love and Logic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.