Meet Erika L. Turner | Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika L. Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika L., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had a dream of being a therapist, and owning and operating a mental health private practice over 20 years ago, long before I had even completed my Master’s Degree. I knew it would take years to accomplish my goal. After I completed my education and state licensing credentials, I started my business as a part-time “side hustle”, still maintaining a full-time job due to fears of financial insecurity. During those years of part-time entrepreneurship, I slowly built my business brand and reputation with grass roots marketing techniques such as setting up vendor tables at community events and local festivals, networking with community stakeholders and colleagues, and engaging with the public through social media and my website. Although being an employee for both private and governmental agencies provided financial stability and other benefits, these experiences were lacking in passion and fulfillment. I often felt stifled and unappreciated. After nine years of operating as a “side hustle” business, I decided to face my fears and become a full time entrepreneur in 2023. It has been the best decision I have ever made!

What should our readers know about your business?
The name of my business is “Beauty For Ashes Counseling and Mental Health Services, LLC”. I provide psychotherapy through a virtual or telehealth format. I saw clients in-person from 2014-2021; however, during the Covid 19 pandemic, I decided to try virtual therapy. I find that this format allows me to reach more people throughout both Georgia and Florida, states where I am licensed. I specialize in the treatment of trauma and anxiety, and I hold two certifications: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). I am most passionate about helping individuals heal from childhood and/or adult traumatic experiences. I use traditional psychotherapeutic interventions in my work. However, I also incorporate Somatic interventions which teach individuals how to use their own body to heal their trauma and anxiety. I believe that the body has the ability to heal itself. With the right understanding of biology and science, people using Somatic interventions can receive a great amount of relief from their symptoms. In addition, I incorporate Christian and biblical principles in my work when desired by my clients. I believe that God is the ultimate healer and utilizing faith in therapy can only enhance the healing process. I feel that combining these specialized tools and techniques sets me apart from other therapists.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy and being a psychotherapist is even more challenging. Although I am very passionate about helping others, it is not always easy to support others when they are at their worst. As therapists, we are constantly exposed to trauma, grief, anger, sadness, and a plethora of other intense emotions everyday. Because we, too, are humans, we must practice self care frequently to avoid burnout and mental/emotional exhaustion. Overall, I am exactly where I am supposed to be doing the work that I was destined to do.

I understand that many people will never go to therapy. For this reason, I want Beauty For Ashes Counseling and Mental Health Services LLC to provide more than just psychotherapy. I provide mental health education on my social media sites to inspire and encourage those who may not be ready to begin therapy. I am also emerging as a published author where I have published an award-winning children’s book, “A New Family For Tate”, about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma in children. My second children’s book, “What God Says”, is close to being completed and ready for publication. I love writing and will be publishing more therapeutic books for children and adults in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I was born and raised in the south Metro Atlanta area, I moved away and was gone for over 22 years. I have been back in the area for 2 years, and I realize that the Metro Atlanta scene has changed over the years and there are still many places for me to explore. There are 3 things that I love most: nature, animals, and the arts. One of my favorite places to visit in Atlanta is the Fox Theater. It has been a magical place for me ever since my early childhood where I saw my very first theater production of “The Wiz”. I attend broadway musicals and dance productions there as often as I can. Another favorite spot is City Winery where you can always hear great live music in an intimate setting. For a relaxing spa retreat, Chateau Elan is high on my list of favorite destinations. The Georgia Aquarium is a fun place to go with children or adults, like myself, who love animals. I recently did a dolphin encounter there that was a very special experience. As far as food, I absolutely love seafood and fresh fish, so I would highly recommend the Atlanta Fish Market for my fellow seafood enthusiasts. Places that are on my list to still explore are the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, the Wild Animal Safari Park (in Pine Mountain, GA just outside Atlanta), and the spa at Callaway Gardens ( in the south Metro area).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a Shoutout to friend and colleague, Janel Holland, LCSW, for her invaluable support in helping me get my business up and running over 10 years ago through subleasing office space and providing advice and mentorship about operating a mental health private practice. I would also like to give a Shoutout to the Glynn County and Brunswick, GA community for embracing me and my business over the years. My business has grown through many “word of mouth” connections and referrals, and I am very grateful for the support.

Website: https://www.erikalturner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikalturnerlcsw

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalturnerlcsw

Facebook: https://facebook.com/Erikalturner.therapy

Image Credits
Laura Angela Photography (beach photos)