Inclusive IFS Therapy
for Kids, Couples, and Individuals
In Concord NC & Virtual
About Us
I'm Erica Smalla, LCSWA, MEd
Based in Concord, NC but guiding souls world-wide
Like many of my clients, I’ve wrestled with anxiety, identity, and belonging in spaces that didn’t always make room for my full self. Those experiences shaped my commitment to creating a space where every part of who you are can be honored with compassion.
My journey has taken me across continents—teaching, counseling, and volunteering in communities from Africa to Asia and every step taught me something new about the universal thread of being human:
the longing to be seen, understood, and truly belong.
Choosing to become a therapist wasn’t just a career decision, it was an act of alignment. I wanted to create the kind of space I needed myself: a place where your identity is celebrated, and where even the parts of you that feel “too much” or “not enough” are
welcomed as valuable.
If you’re reading this, you may be looking for someone who gets it. Someone who can hold both your struggles and your strengths. I want you to know: you don’t have to do this alone. This is a place where your story is safe, where you can exhale, and where new possibilities can take root.
I’m honored to walk alongside you in that journey.
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You’ll often find me bringing curiosity, humor, and even play into sessions because healing is serious work, but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy.
At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families—but what ties it all together is the heartbeat: helping people reconnect with their truest selves and with each other. My approach blends evidence-based practices with creativity and warmth.
Empower Your Relationships Workshop
Join our upcoming workshop to explore the transformative potential of the Internal Family Systems modality in enhancing your relationships. This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools for nurturing deeper connections and fostering healthier dynamics within couples and families. Discover how the Internal Family Systems approach can empower you to cultivate more authentic, creative, and fulfilling relationships in a supportive and collaborative environment.