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Erika McElroy, Ph.D.

Erika McElroy, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and SonderMind's Manager of Clinical Education. She enjoys dabbling in a variety of hobbies and spending time outdoors. 

More from this author:

Tools to Use Outside of Therapy

Learn helpful activities and tools to use in between therapy sessions. Practicing skills you’ve learned in therapy can help you reach your goals.

How Do I Help Someone Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts?

People who are considering suicide give signs. Learn the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to prevent suicide and save a life.

What Is Dysthymia and What Does It Have to Do With Depression?

Dysthmia, also called persistent depressive disorder, is a mild but lasting form of depression. Learn the signs and why treating it is important.

What to Do in Between Therapy Sessions

Learn techniques for what you can do in between therapy sessions. Journaling or practicing things you learned in therapy can help your progress.

Returning to Therapy: 4 Steps to Take Before Your First Session

If you’ve worked with a therapist before, you might be wondering when it’s time to return to therapy. Use these questions when considering returning to therapy.

When Should I Start Thinking About Therapy

How do you know it’s time to seek therapy? Learn the signs of when it might be time to seek professional help to get your life back on track.

How to Ask Awkward Questions and Handle Uncomfortable Situations in Therapy

Awkward situations can happen anytime, even in therapy. Here’s what you can ask and do when things get awkward in therapy.

Questions to Ask During Therapy

This guide will provide questions to ask your therapist during therapy, and help you discover other valuable questions that may be important to you.

The Value of Vulnerability in Therapy: It’s OK to Let Down Your Guard

Being vulnerable and having open communication with your therapist takes courage, and is important in reaching your goals in therapy.

What If You and Your Therapist Disagree?

Therapy requires a relationship with the therapist characterized by mutual trust and communication. Like any relationship, disagreements may arise.

When Is It Time to End Therapy?

Use this guide as a tool for gauging when it might be time to end therapy. These signs can help in the decision on cutting back or ending therapy.

How to Deal with Change (in Life and in Therapy)

Learn helpful tips, that will help you in coping with change in your therapeutic journey and in everyday life.

3 Factors That May Impact How Long You’re in Therapy

Therapy looks different for everyone, and these 3 factors can help you evaluate what your personal timeline for therapy could be.

Overcoming Mental Health Stigma in BIPOC Communities

Learn about mental health disparities in BIPOC and minority communities, why stigma exists, how to overcome feelings that might be related to these challenges.

Mental Health Myths: Addiction

Addiction is part of a mental health condition that alters a person’s brain and behavior. Here, we’ll dispel five common myths about addiction.

When Is It Time to Take a Break From Therapy?

Here are a few ways to see if it's time for you to put a pause on therapy. If you've been in therapy for a while, use these tips to evaluate your progress.

What Happens When You Feel You're Not Making Progress in Therapy

Get tips on how to re-evaluate if you feel you’re experiencing setbacks in therapy. Setbacks are not failures, and can help you move forward.

Discussing Mental Health With Children

An honest conversation about mental health can reduce stigma and help children understand what’s going on with them and that you care.

Mental Health Myths: Debunking Mental Health

Learn about common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health. Increasing awareness helps debunk long-held biases.

How Do You Really Feel? Checking Your Emotional Temperature

Learn techniques for mindfulness and staying in tune with your emotions on a consistent basis.

Actions You Can Take While Parenting With Depression

A number of parents may experience symptoms of depression for the first time in parenthood. Discover five actions you can take to parent through depression

Documenting end of care in the Golden Thread: Discharge summary template

A discharge summary summarizes the whole episode of care in the Golden Thread. Get the discharge summary template and samples here.

Documenting therapy sessions in the Golden Thread: Progress note template

Progress notes summarize what occurred in a therapy session, including clinical interventions. Get the progress notes template and samples here.

Road map for care in the Golden Thread: Treatment plan documentation template

The treatment plan is the roadmap for care in the Golden Thread of clinical documentation. Get the treatment plan template and samples here.

Initial assessment in the Golden Thread: Intake documentation template

The initial assessment document (intake) is the first step in the Golden Thread of clinical documentation. Get the intake template and samples here.