Therapy in Concord, NC — IFS, Neurodivergent-Affirming, and LGBTQ+ Affirming
You can be yourself here.
IFS therapy for people who want to understand themselves deeply, with particular expertise in neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and young people.
In-person in Concord and virtual across North Carolina Aetna accepted
Does this feel familiar?
You’re getting through the day, but it takes more effort than people realize. You might be masking, second-guessing yourself, feeling overwhelmed by things you’re expected to handle, or noticing the same painful patterns in your relationships. Maybe you’re tired of explaining your identity or the way your mind works before anyone gets to know you.
You don’t have to sort all of that out before reaching out. We can start with what life feels like right now and get curious about what you need.
Therapy that makes room for all of you
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, neurodivergence, or relationships, our work can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface. We’ll pay attention to the parts of you that have been working hard to protect you, while making more room for your own voice, needs, and choices.
Hi there, I'm Erica!
I'm glad you're here.
Hi, I’m Erica Smalla, LCSWA and Certified IFS Therapist. I’m curious about what makes you you...including the parts you’ve had to hide, the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself, and what you wish felt different.
My approach is warm, creative, and collaborative. I’ll help you make sense of what’s happening inside without judging it or deciding who you should be. We can go deep, laugh, slow down, or start with the things you haven’t found words for yet.
You don’t have to mask or do therapy “right” with me. We’ll find a way of working together that feels like yours.
Available services
Ways we can work together
A place to understand what you’re carrying and find a way forward that feels like your own.
Talk about your whole life in a space where your identity is respected and celebrated.
Support for young people to explore big feelings, relationships, and who they’re becoming.
Get to know the parts of you that have been working so hard to help you through life.
Find support that works with your brain and makes room for your needs.
Understand the patterns between you and build more honest, connected ways of relating.
Explore what matters to you without having to prove or defend who you are.
Areas of expertise
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS) · ANXIETY & TRAUMA · NEURODIVERGENCE
LGBTQ+ AFFIRMING THERAPY · RELATIONSHIPS & INTIMACY
COUPLES THERAPY · KIDS & TEENS · TRANSGENDER & GENDER-EXPANSIVE
What To Expect
1
2
3
Let's Connect
Come As You Are
Get Curious
We’ll start with a free 15-minute consultation to talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit.
There’s no pressure to know exactly where to begin. We’ll slow things down, get to know you and what’s been happening, and begin exploring what you’d like to be different.
From there, therapy is collaborative and shaped around you. We may talk, explore parts through IFS, notice what’s happening in your body, use creativity, or simply make space for whatever needs attention that day.
Every part of you is welcome here
You don’t have to hide, mask, perform, or have the right words here. Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness is an LGBTQ+ affirming and neurodivergent-affirming space where every part of you is welcome—including the parts you’re still learning to understand.
Consider joining my email list for weekly reflections to help you feel more connected to yourself.
“You were never meant to shrink, mask, or reshape yourself to belong. There is room here for all of you.”
— Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness
FAQ
Is Heartbeat Therapy the right fit for me?
If you're looking for a therapist in Concord, NC (or virtually across North Carolina) who will meet you where you are — whether you're LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, navigating identity, or simply feeling like something needs to shift — this practice may be a good fit. The best way to find out is the free 15-minute consultation, where we can talk about what's bringing you here and whether working together makes sense.
What does IFS therapy actually involve?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach that helps you understand the different parts of yourself — the parts that protect you, the ones that carry pain, and the deeper Self underneath. Sessions are conversational and collaborative. You don't need any background in IFS to start, and there is nothing to do right or wrong. We just get curious about what's happening inside.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. Sessions are available both in person at the Concord, NC office and virtually via secure video for clients anywhere in North Carolina. Most clients start with a free consultation over video or phone.
Does Heartbeat Therapy accept insurance?
Aetna is accepted. For clients on other plans, a superbill can be provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement. A limited number of sliding-scale spots are also available when capacity allows — ask about this during the consultation.