Karin Erickson, LICSW, LCSW

10/03/2025

I'm finding it might be a good time to post a fresh link to 'My Grown Up's Job,' a therapeutic social story written by Rachel Jamieson, MS Ed, PCD (DONA) and myself. Our hope is to reach young children and families experiencing changes and stressors due to federal job cuts and NOW, the current government shut down.

Little kids often want and need more information about changes or worries they notice with adults at home, but they don't know how to ask. During stressful events such as major financial change or job loss, finding the words or the right explanation can be difficult!

"This book helps children whose families have been impacted by the 2025 Federal Job Cuts. It explains the events in terms that are simple and honest, and validates the emotions felt by all. It also offers some child-friendly coping strategies. The book can be read multiple times or can be the platform for conversations with your children. Included at the end are some resources for parents/caregivers/teachers." R.J.

The story is a free / donation-based virtual download via https://ko-fi.com/s/e75dbf409c. We can also special order printed copies and ship them to your home or agency. Please share this information with anyone it may affect - we appreciate it! Hang in there.

I am offering therapy and supportive consultation for families with young children who are acutely concerned about the impact of these changes at home (DC and NC residents). Connect with me at kericksonlcsw@gmail.com.

This book helps children whose families have been impacted by the 2025 Federal Job Cuts. It explains the events in terms that are simple and honest, a...

09/26/2025

09/22/2025

The anniversary of Hurricane Helene's devastating flood in NC is coming up at the end of this month. The region was recovering when I visited Asheville in June, and the signs of lush new growth appeared like little blankets over the crumbled spaces. Everyone said the young greenery helped the town look better, and feel a bit better. I was relieved to see it. Good wishes and healing go out on this anniversary to my dear friends, former neighbors and their communities.

Thanks Rachel Jamieson - for the motivation and dedication to creating and collaborating on this story for young children and caregivers - it had a pretty profound healing effect for me that I didn't realize at the time.

I appreciate each and every one of you who responded from DC to NC and in between, with donations and time, support for our effort, editing and Q & A, legal & copyright, for emailing and printing and copying and for READING these stories with little ones, their families and teachers.

Here is the link if you would like to see the stories and download on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/racheljkarine77743

Please note: Since Hurricane Helene and the LA/CA fires, I have set up a lowered therapy rate for families & young children acutely struggling with the effects of natural disaster events. I can treat families in DC and NC (and soon in MD!). A consultation session can also be made available for any location.

05/13/2025

Wanted to share how much I appreciated this message sent out on Mother's Day from Benevolence Farm.

"...motherhood isn’t an abstract idea—it’s real, messy, deeply human, and often complicated by systems that were never built to support her.

We witness the heartbreak of separation, the hope of reunification, and the everyday effort of parenting while rebuilding a life.

Some mothers in our community have done everything right and still faced loss."

To the moms, aunties, meemaws, bonus mommas, adoptive mothers, and mothering hearts in our community—Happy Mother’s Day. At Benevolence Farm, motherhood isn’t an abstract idea—it’s real, messy, deeply human, and often complicated by systems that were never built to support her. We witness ...

03/26/2025

03/21/2025

My colleague Rachel Jamieson and I completed a new storybook, "My Grown-Up's Job" for children and caregivers impacted by the 2025 Federal job cuts. The book explains events in terms that are simple and honest, and supports challenging emotions that arise while explaining big changes to children. We offer this story to our community and encourage reading it to your children. Please pass the link on to others affected by job loss or sudden change. Click on the link below to access a free e-version of the story. You can also support this book and it's distribution through a donation on our Ko-fi site. Thanks very much to those of you who helped us with this process via survey responses, sharing of resources and services, and encouragement!

This book helps children whose families have been impacted by the 2025 Federal Job Cuts. It explains the events in terms that are simple and honest, a...

03/14/2025

I have a reverence for how play helps young children manage stress. It's amazing how the play theme finds the child's concerns somehow.
I always have versions of colorful medical kits in my playroom that kids pull out again and again. In the pretend play, questions are asked and answered. A lovely road map if you're not sure where to start is a new book by my friends & , The Way of Play 🪆

03/05/2025

Hi all! Rachel Jamieson, M.S. Ed and I are creating a new children's story to be used as a resource for children whose parents/caregivers have been impacted by changes to the workforce by our current administration.

If you have experienced, witnessed or are interested in this topic, we would like your input. From parents and caregivers: we want to know about what your child's experience has been like recently. Please fill out this survey and share with anyone interested!
https://forms.gle/dssQPq5EqAoaWTP79
Thanks and hang in there.

01/17/2025

Hi everyone. The Fire In Our Town children's story has posted as of yesterday as an online resource. I want to personally to thank my colleague Rachel Jamieson. And also thanks to those of you who helped to encourage us, support us and share this story. Please forward this on to any little ones and caregivers you may know who are impacted by the fires in Los Angeles... and beyond. ❤️

Send a message to learn more

01/12/2025

CNN This Morning - my dear friend Ann DuPre Rogers giving quick tools for people in CA affected by the fires. Thank you so much!

https://video.snapstream.net/Play/1p3VeXWc4powLbff7rfugQ?accessToken=b3cb7cxbpxxyd

01/10/2025

❤️ I know the places… the images of the holiday decorations are everything. Sending my best. K

Mental health professionals warn that the quality and level of mental health care people in western North Carolina receive in the coming months will be critical.

12/02/2024

I am now offering early childhood therapy for children, families and for maternal support! I am licensed in Washington DC and in North Carolina and I have been certified in PCIT, CPP and ABC. I have extensive experience with very young children, birth to early elementary, experiencing emotional dysregulation, recovery from trauma, sensitivities surrounding attachment and bonding, and families who would like parenting support in general. My work has included co-parenting, parenting in recovery, peripartum support, teacher, director and classroom consultation, and children with developmental differences. Professional consultation and supervision are also available.
If you or someone you know could benefit, please share my information. At this time, I mostly offer virtual sessions (exceptions within the DC area), and I am currently Out of Network. I also provide therapy or consults at a lowered rate for Hurricane Helene victims in NC. Please check out the links for more info! Thank you, Karin