Erin Dodson
Available Virtually and In-Person in Columbia MD
Insurance: Cigna, BCBS, UHC and Aetna
States: Maryland
Meet Erin Dodson (They/Them)
Welcome! I’m Erin Dodson, and I believe the heart of good therapy is genuine connection.
I didn’t start on a straight path to becoming a therapist; in fact, I began in law school. It was during that time I realized my true calling wasn’t in the courtroom, but in the counseling room. Having personally navigated various levels of mental healthcare, I became deeply passionate about this field—not just to emulate the amazing clinicians I’ve met, but because I always wished for a therapist who truly understood what it’s like to be in the client’s chair. So, I became that therapist.
I strive to be authentic, empathetic, and creative in my work, ensuring you feel seen as a complex individual, not just a collection of symptoms.
My Therapeutic Approach
My foundation is humanistic and person-centered. This means I prioritize seeing you as a whole person, validating your lived experience, and building a secure, trusting relationship.
I primarily use aspects of:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Existential Therapy
Somatic techniques (connecting mind and body)
While I don’t typically lean toward short-term solutions-oriented counseling, I will integrate approaches like CBT if it’s the right fit for your specific needs. I’m probably not the best fit if you’re looking only for quick, surface-level fixes.
Specializations & Client Focus
I am comfortable working with clients ages 10 and up, but my practice is primarily focused on adults. I offer both individual therapy and couples/polycules counseling.
My core areas of specialization include:
Complex Trauma (particularly Religious Trauma)
ADHD and Autism (primarily 1 & 2) especially for late-diagnosed adults
LGBTQ+ identity issues
Navigating Chronic Illness and varying degrees of physical disability
My Lived Experience
I bring my whole self into the room. I identify as queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent. I also have personal experience with chronic illnesses and have been in higher levels of mental healthcare. My lived experiences help me empathize deeply and bring genuine, non-judgmental understanding to what you’ve been through—from navigating identity issues to dealing with institutional settings and managing physical health alongside mental health.
Fun Facts!
When I’m not in session, I love spending time with my cat, Meeko (though we almost exclusively call her Bean). I enjoy creative hobbies like crocheting and making things out of air-dry clay. For a mental break, I sometimes play a little chess and I’m currently learning to play pool!