About Dr. Erin Ferguson, Ph.D.

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I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2017, where I received intensive training in insight-oriented and skills-based approaches to psychotherapy, particularly relational psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies.  My training and work experience spans both adult inpatient and adult outpatient work, and includes placements at the West Virginia University Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services (predoctoral internship in Health Service Psychology), Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia, the Mary D. Ainsworth Psychological Clinic at the University of Virginia (UVA), the UVA Behavioral Medicine Center, the UVA Department of Athletics (Sports Psychology), and UVA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).  I also have extensive experience conducting psychoeducational assessments with both children and adults, as well as non-pharmacological treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and related concerns (cognitive training, neurofeedback).  I am licensed to practice as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia (VA #0810005847).

My therapeutic approach

My approach to psychotherapy is pragmatic and integrative, and is based largely on relational psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories.  Specific interventions that I use throughout treatment include relational, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based relaxation, and interpersonal process techniques.  My most valuable tool as a clinician, however, is you, and the foundation of our work together is a strong, supportive, trusting relationship.  Thus, I work collaboratively with my clients to develop treatment goals and a treatment plan that is individually tailored to their needs and balances enhanced self-insight with developing more useful and effective coping strategies.
I emphasize a growth orientation in my testing services.  I view recognizing strengths as every bit as important as identifying weaknesses or making diagnoses.  Clients who undergo psychoeducational or IQ testing are always provided with information on both their strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations on how strengths may be emphasized or weaknesses improved.