Ericka Karazsia, MFTT

Ericka Karazsia (pronouns: she/her), a marriage and family therapy trainee who works with couples, families, and individuals. Her specialty interests include: relational concerns, interpersonal communication, parenting, and life transitions. She uses treatment approaches that are collaborative and tailored to each person, drawing from systemic and narrative perspectives.

Ericka completed her advanced education at Kent State University, earning a master’s degree in early childhood special education and a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. She is currently a master’s student at The University of Akron completing a degree in marriage and family therapy. Her academic training has given her a strong foundation in understanding development, communication, and family relationships across the lifespan. She genuinely enjoys learning and continuing to grow both personally and professionally through her clinical work.

Prior to private practice, Ericka spent over 15 years working closely with children and families in early intervention, education, and community-based settings. She supported families of young children, including those with developmental delays and disabilities, through coaching, developmental support, and collaboration with other providers. She is certified in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program and has led parenting groups focused on building confidence and connection. These experiences shape her ability to understand the relational and cultural components of the clients she serves.

Beyond her clinical work, Ericka has been involved in advocacy and service work that reflects her commitment to supporting families. She served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), where she supported children and families navigating the court system. She currently serves as a board member for Safe Families for Children. She is a former licensed foster parent, which gave her meaningful, firsthand experience caring for a child during a time of transition. These experiences continue to influence her perspective and deepen her empathy for relational clients she works with.

Ericka’s approach to counseling is based on the belief that our relationships play a central role in our well-being, and that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, understood, and supported. She helps clients explore patterns in their relationships to better understand the stories they carry about themselves and others. She uses emotionally focused therapy (EFT) to support deeper emotional connection and Gottman-informed tools to help couples improve communication and move through conflict in healthier ways. She aims to create a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves while working toward the changes that matter most to them.

Her strengths include: warmth, empathy, curiosity, strong relational insight, and the ability to help clients see patterns and possibilities within their relationships.