Where the deepest layers of your story become the foundation for new growth

In ecology, the understory is the warm, protected layer of the forest thriving safely beneath the canopy; it is a rich space of quiet resilience, deep-rooted connection, and organic transformation.
At Understory Mental Health Collective, we believe true psychological transformation mirrors this natural alchemy. We provide a collaborative, nurturing sanctuary designed to help you explore the story underneath the surface - integrating your raw life experiences and transforming them into an unshakeable core of inner strength and belonging.

A woman with long wavy hair, glasses, and tattoos on her forearm standing outdoors against a background of large rocks with patches of snow.

Erica Conklin, MA, LPC, LAC, CCTP

Our Collaborative Approach

At Understory we treat mental health from a comprehensive approach, believing that what grows beneath the surface deserves compassionate attention. Whether we are working together to process deep-rooted trauma, navigate life transitions, or untangle complex anxiety, our therapeutic approach weaves together evidenced-based modalities of EFT, psychodynamic, and somatic therapies, helping you better understand your own truth beneath the canopy.

At Understory, people find their way to us for the following…

Relational Wounds & Trauma

Relational trauma can make the world feel unpredictable, teaching your mind and body that closeness comes with risk. Even when you deeply desire love, trust, and belonging, your nervous system may remain on high alert, anticipating rejection, conflict, or abandonment before it happens. Over time, self-protection can become second nature, whether through people-pleasing, emotional distance, hyper-independence, or keeping parts of yourself hidden away. Together, we'll gently explore how these protective responses became wired into your nervous system, creating space to process what has remained unresolved and gradually cultivate relationships that feel grounded in safety, trust, and authenticity rather than survival.

Disordered Eating & Body Shame

A disordered relationship with food or your body often extends far beyond eating, shaping how you move through nearly every part of your day. Even when you appear "fine" to those around you, your inner world may be consumed by relentless thoughts about food, body image, control, and self-worth. Meals, rest, movement, and even catching your reflection can become loaded with anxiety, self-criticism, or shame. Rather than focusing on changing behaviors alone, we'll work to understand what those behaviors have been protecting you from, rebuild trust in your body's signals, and foster a relationship with food and yourself that is rooted in flexibility, self-compassion, and freedom.

Substance Abuse & Behavioral Addiction

Substance use and addictive behaviors rarely develop because someone lacks willpower - they often emerge as creative ways of surviving overwhelming emotional pain, chronic stress, trauma, or disconnection. While these strategies may offer temporary relief, they can gradually narrow your world, leaving you caught between the longing to feel better and the shame of feeling stuck. In therapy, we approach these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment, seeking to understand the needs they have been meeting while building healthier ways to regulate emotions, reconnect with yourself, and create a life that no longer depends on survival through escape.

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Testimonials

"Throughout my 2+ years with Erica, I've transformed into a completely new person. She has been there with me through the most difficult times in my life, and has empowered me to become the best version of myself along the way. She is communicative, open minded, and works at just the right tempo depending on how my needs change. I recommend her to anyone who is seeking a committed, kind, thoughtful therapist who works with you as an equal, collaborative partner through all of life's toughest and most rewarding moments. I'm so lucky to have Erica as my therapist."

— A.S.
"I started working with Erica almost three years ago now. When I think about who I was when I had my intro call with Erica, I recall a version of me who is so far from who I am now and I am so grateful to have had Erica's support through all of this growth. There have been many times, especially in the beginning of my therapy journey, where going to session was the last thing I wanted to do with my time. But every time I showed up, I learned something about myself and left feeling like I had another small piece of the path laid in front of me. Erica challenged me at times (and still does!) to see perspectives I might not recognize on my own and to reframe my ways of thinking about myself and the situations I encounter. Through this, I've seen so much good change in how I move through the world and my relationships, even with myself. I feel that I still have so much to discover about what has made me who I am, and I'm so grateful to have Erica's support on this journey."

— M.S.
"Working with Erica for the past three years has unequivocally been the most impactful choice I have ever made for my mental health. Her expertise guided me through my strongest depression and anxiety, and together we have built my emotional intelligence to a point where I feel more capable at work, in my marriage, and at managing my day-to-day. She is warm, intelligent, and an excellent communicator in and out of session. I would recommend Erica without hesitation to anyone."

—K.
"It took me a long time to find a therapist that I could trust and feel comfortable with. Erica has guided me on a journey of self-acceptance and understanding. She has helped me process events of my life under a new light by being compassionate, empathetic, and kind."

— A.C.

Operating as a seamless, dual-state practice, Understory Mental Health Collective provides premier, secure telehealth services to individuals navigating life across both Colorado and Wisconsin, alongside dedicated in-person care in the Madison, WI area.