Meet Erika Mendenhall, ACMHC, at Gold Counseling in St. George, UT

Erika graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  After several years in Corporate America, owning a bakery, and working with small businesses, she returned to school and received a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama.  She worked for Family Services in Huntsville, Alabama, before relocating to St. George.

Erika enjoys working with individuals 16 years or older, particularly those with a growth mindset.  She has worked with troubled teens, abused women and children, and young adults struggling with addiction and depression, as well as older adults navigating grief and loneliness.  She has helped clients navigate relationships, set boundaries, and find meaning and purpose in life.

Erika specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping people change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors by understanding their core beliefs about themselves, other people, and the world as a whole.  She specializes in teaching practical coping skills for issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and perfectionism.  She also relies on Narrative Therapy, a respectful, non-blaming approach that externalizes problems and empowers clients to overcome difficulties.

I believe our souls heal in silence.  Unfortunately, we live in a very noisy world.  My personal mental health routine includes meditation, prayer and reflection.  There is a proven, intricate link between our physical health and our mental states, and so I also include physical action such as walking, stretching and swimming to improve my mental well-being.

I love to bake, host, and entertain.  Parties are my happy place!  I have planned and orchestrated countless weddings, themed events, and balls. I enjoy flower arranging and creating beauty in my personal space.  I love to read, go to vintage shop, and eat chocolate.  I have two grown sons, an adorable husband, and two very spoiled dogs.

“I am an eternal optimist!  I believe that there is always hope and that change is possible.  Mental health is a commitment to reality – no matter the cost.  I believe that sorrow needs a witness, and life is better together.  I approach therapy as a partnership, an empowering relationship full of empathy, compassion, and learning.”