The Heart Behind Tapiz

What’s with the name Tapiz?

“Tapiz” means tapestry in Spanish. I chose this name because I believe life is woven thread by thread—each day, each experience, each relationship adding its own color, texture, and weight to who we are.

Across Latin America, tapestries are more than decoration. From Mexico to Peru and beyond, weaving is a cultural symbol of connection, resilience, and identity—living records that preserve history and celebrate ancestry.

For me, Tapiz honors this tradition. It reflects my belief that, just like a tapestry, therapy can help us reweave broken threads, integrate past and present, and create a future of intention, connection, and hope.”

Mission

My mission is to support children, families, and individuals in weaving lives of resilience, connection, and hope. Through bilingual, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care, I foster emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and honor each person’s unique story. I believe healing not only transforms the present but also creates a lasting legacy of resilience and love for generations to come.

Therapy Approach

A Safe Space to Slow Down

Healing begins with slowing down and creating space to feel safe and supported. From a relational, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed lens, I pay attention to how early experiences shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and move through challenges today.
Your Story as a Tapestry

Every person and family carries a unique story, like a tapestry woven from threads of joy, struggle, resilience, and love. Some threads may feel heavy and dark, while others are bright and light—but together they form a deeply personal pattern. My role is to help you recognize these patterns, honor their meaning, and choose how you want to weave your next chapter.
Tailored & Culturally Responsive

Because each child, individual, and family has different needs, I tailor therapy to fit your goals. My approach is bilingual, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. This means children can heal and explore through play, parents can feel supported and empowered, individuals can deepen self-understanding, and families can discover new ways of connecting.
Weaving Healing Across Generations

Healing is carried through families across past, present, and future. If trauma can pass from one generation to the next, so can love, resilience, and healing. Together, we’ll strengthen the bonds that help children, parents, and future generations thrive.

Hello, I’m Erika

As a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Child Development, my work is deeply shaped by my cultural roots and my early experiences growing up in a close-knit immigrant community where resilience, family, and connection were central values. These foundations continue to guide me—both as a person and as a therapist.

With more than 16 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, early childhood mental health consultant, and trainer, I bring both expertise and heart to my work with individuals, children, parents, and families. Whether you’re an adult navigating a life transition, a parent seeking support around your child’s needs, or a family healing from trauma or disconnection, I offer care tailored to your journey.

In 2024, I founded Tapiz Mental Health Services to provide a safe, responsive, and healing space for children, families, and individuals across Illinois.

If you’d like to learn more about my background and the trainings that shape my work, please explore the sections below.

- Master of Science in Social Work – Loyola University Chicago
- Master of Science in Child Development – Erikson Institute
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Benedictine University
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Benedictine University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Illinois
  Licensed to provide clinical mental health services in the state of Illinois.
- Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
  Certified to lead parenting groups and individual sessions based on the Circle of Security model, which supports stronger parent-child attachment.
- Trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
  A relationship-focused, trauma-informed approach that helps children and caregivers strengthen their bond and process early trauma.
- Trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
  An evidence-based therapy model designed to support young children and their caregivers after exposure to trauma or adversity.
- 16 years of clinical experience supporting children, families, and individuals.
- 10+ years as a Clinical Supervisor, providing reflective supervision to clinicians and interns.
- Experienced Psychotherapist offering trauma-informed, attachment-based therapy for children and families.
- Developmental Infant Mental Health Specialist with expertise in early childhood trauma and parent-child relationships.
- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, providing guidance to professionals working with young children.
- Trainer on topics including child development, immigrant family support, and early childhood mental health.
- School-Based Mental Health Consultant, collaborating with educators and supporting student wellbeing.
- Group Facilitator for parenting programs and child therapy groups using evidence-based models.
- Counselor for Survivors of Domestic Violence, including both children and adults.
- Parent-Infant Educator, supporting child development through home-based services.
- Extensive experience working with families involved with DCFS, providing consultation, assessments, and support.