Meet Erica Laskin | Intimacy/relationship coach and licensed social worker
We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Laskin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
That’s a great question! Balance is a core value of mine and I’m still in the process of creating boundaries that separate my professional life from my personal life. I started my career with having little to no balance or boundaries at all. As a social worker/therapist, a skill that I needed to develop was compartmentalization– leaving work at work, especially the cases or clients I would think about in my free time. A key element to my developing a healthier work/life balance was setting boundaries, with myself, with coworkers, and with clients. A large component of my job requires me to support my clients in developing a self-care routine, and I noticed that I wasn’t taking my own advice. I was working, or at work, more than I was at home or doing leisurely activities, and I was overextending myself to the point where it was taking a toll on my mental health.
I love what I do… and I’m good at it. But I was constantly in work mode and I stopped doing the other things I love, like hiking, spending time with friends, or relaxing at home. So I started my own business. I get to make my own schedule, work when I want to, and rest when I need to. That’s not to say it isn’t hard work, but this allows me to build in more time for myself. It’s taken me years to get to where I am today, and I still have ways to go; however, my work/life balance is the healthiest it’s ever been.
What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a therapist and a life coach. I work with both couples and individuals who are tired of repeating harmful cycles or patterns and are committed to making a sustainable change. I specialize in creating meaningful relationships, building intimacy, improving communication, developing a sense of identity, and healing trauma.
What sets me apart from other therapists and coaches is my integration of clinical, spiritual, and coaching tools/frameworks. My approach isn’t what people would traditionally think of therapy. It’s a conversation and an energy exchange. I see my clients as the experts on themselves, and together we co-create intentions, changes, and transformation. Sure, clinical terms and diagnoses come up, but I take a more holistic approach. In today’s society we focus primarily on the body and the mind, and very little on a person’s spirit. I notice that often people who experience severe anxiety and depression are in environments, situations, and/or circumstances where their spirit is being suffocated. Most commonly I see this in folks who spend 40+ hours a week pouring energy and time into something they do not enjoy.
What I’m most proud of in my work and my business is that I actively practice what I preach. The tools, techniques, skills, and frameworks that I offer my clients I also use for myself. One of the essential elements to transformation is having a willingness for taking risks and facing loss. In order to make a significant change, we need to be willing to leave that job or relationship in order to make room for a more fulfilling one. That’s what I’m doing.
Starting my own practice was a risk and my level of responsibility, freedom, and knowledge is expanding everyday. It’s a gift to have agency over my money, time, and energy but it also requires taking self-responsibility in that I have to hold myself accountable. Before starting my own business it was easy to find complaints with how leadership ran the organization or what wasn’t working within the company; however, now I am an employee and leadership and I work for myself. Not only am I honing my therapy skills, but I’m constantly learning business practices as well. I’m only at the beginning of my business journey and I’m sure there will be hurdles, obstacles, and setbacks along the way. I’m also sure that these lessons will teach me what I need to know in order to reach the next level of my life and career.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to show off what Colorado has to offer, I’d show off the nature, the mountains, and the cities. I’m a novice hiker/camper, but I thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors. I’d find an area with great hiking trails and scenic views and set up camp for a day or two. Then I’d allow for a day of relaxation to process the comedown and slowness of nature before taking them to the city. I love a good rooftop with good company and good food.
A night out in RiNo is a certified good time, so many restaurants, bars, and art to see and in a convenient location.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to show my appreciation and gratitude for my parents, Fran Ludman and Sheldon Laskin. Their love and support has allowed me to pursue a career and create a life that I love. I also want to shout out Amy Dibos who was my therapist throughout my adolescence and into young adulthood. She supported me through some challenging times and has had a significant impact on where I am and what I do today and my gratitude cannot be expressed through words. Finally I’d like to recognize the coaches who have empowered me to tap into my desires, deepen the intimacy within my relationships, and challenge my negative/limiting beliefs. Thank you Aimee, Ellie, Victoria, Kelley, and the Desire on Fire community. These women have shown me the value and importance of community, sisterhood, and pleasure. 
Instagram: @blindspot.light
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-laskin/
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