
She/Her
Erika Shinpaugh
Graduate Student
Feeling alone, confused, or overwhelmed? I’ve been there before too! As a late-diagnosed AuDHDer, I know what it's like to feel different from others and not know why. I’ve also experienced how standard therapy can feel like something is missing, or like you’re still being misunderstood. Neurodivergent-affirming therapy helped me to finally accept myself, and it’s now what I specialize in providing (no diagnosis required)! I work with teens and adults, and also focus on depression, anxiety, OCD, and sleep disorders. I provide inclusive care centered around building hope, exploring self-identity, and increasing resilience. If you've been made to feel "too much" or "not enough", know that your whole self is welcomed in our space. It would be an honor to learn your story, and to begin building a path forward together.
MY APPROACH TO THERAPY
I offer a strengths-based, person-centered approach focused on celebrating your unique identity and experience. Through collaboration, we'll apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to examine and replace distressing beliefs. This will help regulate overwhelming emotions that can act as roadblocks to cultivating closer relationships and living life fully. We will also use strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which can be especially helpful for minds that constantly feel too loud or too fast. We will learn how to put distance between our thoughts and the present moment, which will cultivate greater inner peace and self-acceptance. Together, we'll explore what a value-aligned future could look like for you.
I deeply value the experiences you’ve had and the identities you hold. Our space will be LGBTQIA+affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. Some of the biggest impacts to mental health come from discrimination and systemic barriers, and acknowledging this fact allows us to take trauma-attuned and manageable steps forward. You are the expert of your own life, and your autonomy and self-determination will always be prioritized in our work together. It is my goal to create a space in which you feel comfortable showing up as your most authentic self. I happily accommodate any accessibility preferences in our sessions, such as limited eye contact, unrestricted stimming or fidgeting, listening to calming music, and doodling!
FUN FACTS
I’m a nature lover! My career path was focused on sustainability before pivoting towards the mental health field.
When I’m by myself, I usually have my earbuds in. For me, electronic music is where it’s at! I find it very regulating.
I was a committed nerd growing up (burnt out gifted kids, raise your hands!), and my adulthood has been focused on finding balance and redefining my worth outside of my productivity.
And maybe most importantly, I’m also a cat mom to one very sweet and sassy kitty :)

EducaTiOn & cErTificaTiOns
Master of Social Work, East Carolina University (in progress, expected graduation Spring 2027)
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Second Major in Environmental Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

SPECIALTIES & AREAS OF FOCUS
Teens & Young Adults
Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD
Late-Diagnosis
High Sensitivity
Giftedness (and Gifted Kid Burnout!)
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep Disorders
OCD

