Coming from over 13 years in the social work and behavioral health field, I’ve built my practice around helping adults understand their patterns, heal from what shaped them, and feel more in control of their emotions, boundaries, and relationships.

I take a direct, structured, and evidence-based approach so you always know what we’re working on — and why.

hello,
I’m Erica Ward MPH, LCSW-QS

  • I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) because they’re structured, research-backed, and actually help people understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

    But I’m not a one-size-fits-all therapist. I pull from other modalities when it makes sense — sometimes you need education, sometimes you need grounding, sometimes you need insight. My goal is to give you tools that make your life easier, not box you into a rigid method that doesn’t fit.

  • A lot of my clients come to me feeling emotionally overwhelmed, burnt out, or like their reactions are “too much.” That’s usually emotional dysregulation — a real, valid experience that’s becoming more openly talked about (finally).

    I help clients understand their emotional patterns, where they come from, and how to regulate in ways that feel realistic and sustainable — not performative or overly clinical.

  • I’m direct, honest, and supportive. I’m not going to just sit and nod while you vent for 60 minutes — our work is collaborative and focused. We’ll identify what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what skills or insights will actually move you forward.

    My clients know I’m real with them, and that matters. You don’t need a therapist who sounds like a textbook — you need someone who listens, understands the bigger picture, and helps you connect the dots in a way that makes your life feel more manageable.

Logo of a stylized lotus flower with the text 'Peaceful Mind' below it.

EXPERIENCE

  • Over 13 years working with adults in behavioral health and clinical settings

  • Background in hospital social work, crisis intervention, and outpatient therapy

  • Extensive experience supporting anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma patterns, and ADHD traits

  • Founder of Serenity Space Therapy & Supervision

Simple line drawing of a lotus flower with seven petals on a black background.

Education

  • Master of Social Work, Florida State University

  • Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutrition Science, Florida State University

  • Master of Public Health, Columbia Southern University

CREDENTIALS

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Qualified Supervisor

  • Certified Personality Disorders Treatment Provider

  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Provider

  • Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Provider

Minimalist line drawing of a lotus flower on a black background.
Illuminated outline of a lotus flower on a gray wall.

TRAINING

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Exposure Response Prevention

  • Psychological assessment tools and structured diagnostic interviews

Clarity starts with one conversation