Therapist Erik Metzger Photo

Erik Metzger, LMFT

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Relationships Family conflicts Self esteem, Motivation
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I have worked with adults, teens, couples and families for seven years; I specialize in facilitating people’s own insights and resilience to access more resourced and contented lives. Living in California can be exhausting with its high paced culture; allow me to work with you on achieving insight(s) about the origins and solutions to anxiety, substance abuse, and dissatisfaction with relationships and work. With my background as a yoga instructor, meditation practitioner, and competitive runner and triathlete, I can join you in bringing awareness to maladaptive coping strategies. I strive to normalize and validate your experiences! I started my career in addiction counseling, via Hazelden Betty Ford's graduate program, and I then received a counseling psychology masters from Palo Alto University; I have been working for a large hospital as a psychotherapist for the past six years.

My specialty is working with addiction of all kinds. With two decades of sobriety from alcohol and drugs, I can assist you and your loved ones in getting relief from anger, restlessness, and grief. I can support you in recovering from bereavement after losing a beloved person or animal. Recovery has varied approaches; let’s find yours and develop new skills.

I commend you for channeling your strength and wisdom into positive action. Asking for assistance and implementing new life skills is not easy; "we cannot fix a problem with the same mind that created it," Einstein is known to have said. Most everyone deals with shame, guilt, and self-criticism, and now’s your time to achieve a respite from the human condition.

Congratulations on taking your first step in realizing your potential! I look forward to working with you.

Professional experience

7yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Addictions Relationships Family conflicts Self esteem, Motivation

Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent Personality, Dissociation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Expats, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

Languages

EnglishDanish

License information

CA LMFT 106987

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Erik Metzger. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Erik had a profound impact on my mental health and well being - mind, body, and soul. He created the space and helped me work through some extraordinarily challenging life situations and I’m a better person for it. Thank you, Erik.

Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Erik for 2 weeks

Erik is amazing!
He got to know my story prior to our first session; therefore, he knew exactly what my needs are for therapy. Each session was productive; yet personable. He shows passion is his duties to provide impactful positives results. He has got me through some tough situations and guidance to stabilize my mind long term. I would 100% recommend Erik! Thank you for your compassion, empathy, and expertise!

Written on Jun 28, 2020 after therapy with Erik for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching

Erik is there with me through the entire session. He provides suggestive thought, and practical solutions. He's doing everything right on his end. It's just a matter of implementation on my end.

Written on Feb 03, 2020 after therapy with Erik for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I am highly impressed with Erik’s knowledge and apparent commitment to helping

Written on Dec 19, 2019 after therapy with Erik for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes