Get to Know Dr. Erica Temes (she/her), a Licensed Counseling Psychologist in the state of Ohio. 

Clinical Philosophy:

It is a profound honor to support my clients as they navigate life’s mental health challenges, including eating disorders, trauma, and other concerns that may emerge along the way. I am committed to walking alongside each client on their journey toward a life they find meaningful and fulfilling. I work with individuals across the lifespan and hold a particular passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community.

My approach to therapy is grounded in deep respect for each person’s unique story, identity, and resilience. I view therapy as a collaborative and empowering space where clients can explore their experiences without judgment, reconnect with their values, and develop skills to navigate life’s challenges. Whether someone is coming to therapy to heal from past pain, to better understand themselves, or to create meaningful change, I aim to provide a space that is validating, affirming, and safe.

I believe that healing and growth happen in the context of a strong therapeutic relationship—one that is built on trust, authenticity, and mutual respect. I meet clients where they are, honoring their pace and process, while also encouraging gentle but meaningful progress. My clinical work is informed by evidence-based practices and tailored to the individual’s specific needs, goals, and cultural background.

In our work together, I strive to support not only symptom relief but also long-term well-being. I help clients identify and strengthen the parts of themselves that foster resilience, emotional flexibility, and connection to others. Therapy, to me, is not just about treating problems—it’s about helping people build a life worth living, one aligned with their values, identities, and aspirations.

Therapeutic Orientation:

I utilize a comprehensive bio-psycho-social-cultural framework to guide my work, allowing me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique experiences, identities, and needs. I deeply value the diverse cultural backgrounds and personal identities that shape each individual, and I view these as essential components of the therapeutic relationship. My integrative approach includes the use of modalities, such as:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Prolonged Exposure (PE)
• Enhanced Cognitive Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
• Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
• Temperament-Based Treatment with Support (TBT-S)
• Feminist and Multicultural Therapy

 

Training:

I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from The Ohio State University and completed my PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Akron. My clinical training included an APA-accredited residency at Rogers Behavioral Health on their Residential Trauma Recovery Unit. Throughout my training, I have had the honor of working across all levels of care—from inpatient to outpatient—in a variety of treatment settings, including hospitals, community mental health clinics, private practices, and specialized treatment centers.

Research:

Before beginning graduate studies, I was involved in the development of a novel treatment for eating disorders, TBT-S. My doctoral research focused on the role of temperament and traits in the development of eating disorders. Throughout graduate school, I also contributed to research on trauma, gender identity, racial/ethnic identity, and body image.