Erika Gonzalez-Lima, LPC

I believe in the power of relationships. The relationships we establish with ourselves, with our loved ones, and with people in general greatly influence our well-being.
I establish a supporting relationship with my clients based on safe and open communication to empower them to improve the quality of their relationships. My motto is: "The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our relationships." By Steven Covey
I facilitate rational thinking, positive feelings, and healthy behaviors.
My goals are to help individuals seek solutions to life's challenges while gaining self-confidence, better communication skills, and improved personal awareness in order to facilitate long lasting personal growth and life satisfaction.

"You helped me greatly during a very difficult time. I still remember you telling me 'the opposite of fear is love' and I use that mantra in my daily life :)" E.N. (Client).

I have a Licensure in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) from Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas, Venezuela, a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. degree in Health Education/Health Psychology from Texas A&M University.
At Texas A&M, I was able to establish the Health Education Department at the Texas A&M’s Student Health Center from 1989-1991. After my husband and I moved to Austin, I worked for the City of Austin’s Health and Human Services Department from 1992-2002.
From 2002-2011, I worked as Program Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, in charge of a federally funded doctoral and postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Behavioral Neuroscience. From 2004-2009, I was also a faculty member at the Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, teaching graduate students.
I have had the opportunity to live in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Canada. I have also traveled to many other parts of the world, gaining a valuable multicultural awareness.
Besides my private practice in counseling, I do psychosocial assessments for immigration purposes. I also give presentations on topics related to mental health and personal/professional development.
I am a native Spanish-speaker, married, have two grown sons, and two small grandchildren.
My hobbies are swimming, water aerobics, and visiting natural parks.