The Heart Behind Tapiz

Hello!/ ¡Hola!

I’m Erika Flores, a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker who also holds a Master’s degree in Child Development. I was born in Mexico and raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Pilsen in Chicago. Growing up in a community rich in culture, resilience, and strong family ties shaped who I am—both as a person and as a therapist. It taught me the value of connection, compassion, and cultural humility.

I founded Tapiz Mental Health Services in 2024 to offer a safe, responsive, and healing space for children, caregivers, and families. I chose the name Tapiz—Spanish for “tapestry”—because I believe our lives are woven from many different threads: relationships, challenges, hopes, and experiences. My work is about honoring your unique story while helping you create new threads rooted in strength, growth, and connection.

With over 16 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, early childhood mental health consultant, and trainer, I bring a deep passion for helping parents understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs with sensitivity and confidence. Whether you're navigating parenting struggles, trauma, or relationship challenges, I approach our work with empathy, trust, and deep respect for your journey.

I’m so glad you’re here—and I look forward to connecting with you.

    • 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.

    • Infant Mental Health

    • Parenting

    • Behavioral Issues

    • Relationship Issues

    • Depression & Anxiety

    • Play Therapy

    • Trauma

    • Grief & Loss

    • Immigration-Related Stress & Adjustment

    • 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.

My Vision for the Future

I’m thrilled about the journey ahead. While Tapiz is currently a solo practice, my vision is to grow it into a collaborative team of therapists with diverse specialities, enabling us to expand the range of services we provide. I aspire to build a team committed to offering accessible, culturally responsive, and personalized mental health support tailored to each client’s unique’s story.