Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Cleveland, OH

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 18 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults through life’s challenges. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and physical or mental health concerns. My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel understood while working toward improved well-being and quality of life.

I earned my master's degree in social work from Cleveland State University. My approach is holistic and client-centered, recognizing the strong connection between mental and physical health. I focus on helping clients build practical skills, strengthen self-awareness, and develop tools that support personal growth and lasting change.

Starting therapy or beginning again with a new therapist can feel overwhelming. I strive to meet you exactly where you are, offering empathy, understanding, and a judgment-free environment where you can speak openly. We will identify your goals and work toward restoring balance, rebuilding what feels lost, and helping you move forward with confidence.

Dr. Erin Sheplavy is a Licensed Psychologist and Drama Therapist with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Dr. Erin has worked in various settings such as schools, partial hospitalization, community mental health, and private practice, which has allowed them to gain a wide range of skills to create individualized treatment approaches for each client. They are passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, parents, and couples explore, process, and work through patterns and behaviors that may cause stress, tension, or distress. Dr. Erin specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, gender and sexuality, life transitions, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, anger management, women's issues, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

Dr. Erin completed their Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and their Drama Therapy training through the alternative track at the Center for Creative Arts Therapy. Creativity is an important part of their life and they bring this into their therapeutic work through working collaboratively with clients to find an individualized approach that best suits their needs in therapy. Dr. Erin's work with clients is based in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT), relational therapy, and client-centered therapy. In working with diverse clientele throughout their career, they value exploring the various systems at play within a client's life including family rules, gender roles, racism, power dynamics, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, and more. Dr. Erin has training in exposure response prevention and eating disorders in which they can work with clients to foster an effective relationship with food and their body as well as help individuals gain control over their fears, worries, and compulsions. In prioritizing creating an individualized approach, they also recognize that not everyone can express their emotions and experiences through words. Dr. Erin's training in Drama Therapy allows them to create a space in which clients can explore through use of art, poetry, movement, song, and embodiment in order to express themselves.

We live in a society that prioritizes productivity, perfection, grit, and perseverance, which can create unattainable standards and high levels of stress. Life is filled with transitions, loss, growth, and expectations that can make it difficult to find clarity in your wants, needs, and identity. Dr. Erin is ready to support you in working through these experiences in order to build skills, insight, and perspective that can help you lead a more authentic and effective life.