Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Hornthal

Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I have always loved to dance and did it growing up in a studio setting for most of my life. When I began high school, I was afforded the opportunity to perform the school’s dance ensemble. This solidified my love for dance and it got me thinking about my future. I knew that becoming a professional dancer or dance educator wasn’t in the cards for me, but that left me with few options until a professor in college introduced me to the field of dance/movement therapy. This literally felt like divine intervention as this married my two passions; my passion for dance and my love for helping people emotionally. I decided to pursue my master’s degree in dance/movement therapy and opened up my private practice once all of my requirements, supervision hourse, and licensing was acquired.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No, it has not always been a smooth road. When I was in my graduate program, there was doubt that this was the right place for me, not because I wasn’t excelling in my studies, but because of the atmosphere in the department itself. I knew it my heart that this was the path for me. As a professional and business owner, there have been challenges. Through COVID, the future looked uncertain. My advocacy for the work hasn’t always been met with acclaim, but nevertheless, I stand in my truth and do the work I am destined for. After all, we cannot succeed without making mistakes along the way and learning how to set healthy boundaries for ourselves and be aware of expectations from others.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am a board-certified dance/movement therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor. I work with adults aged 18+ dealing with anxiety, stress, life transitions, depression, and trauma. I specialize in providing a body-centered movement oriented approach to psychotherapy that has literally gifted me the nickname “The Therapist Who Moves You.” I am dedicated to supporting people in understanding that the way they move influences who they are, how they feel, act, and behave. My approach to movement in mental health and psychotherapy specifically sets me apart in that I focus on movement as a metaphor as well as how it emerges in the therapeutic relationship. My orientation invites people into seeing movement as an ever present intervention that can support mental health and emotional wellbeing at any time. I am most proud of my ability to translate this work, making it accessible and digestible to everyone.

Who else deserves credit in your story?

I am grateful to all the dance instructors, educators, and professors I’ve had the pleasure of learning from and being challenged by. To my supervisors and therapists who have supported my own growth and my ability to expand my own awareness. Also, to all the dance/movement therapists who paved the way for me to practice and work in the field. I would not be here without them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ericahornthal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you

Image Credits
Richard Stockman
Mindy Garfinkle Photography
Diana Gran Portraits