Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Ladwig.
Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for therapy really began as a love for people and their stories. Before I ever envisioned myself as a clinician, I was drawn to the way literature invites us into the inner worlds of characters — the complexity, the emotion, the transformation. That passion led me to major in English literature and later become a high school English teacher, where some of my favorite moments were hearing students share how they personally connected to the characters we studied.
Those early experiences taught me something important: when people feel seen and understood, change becomes possible.
I moved into school counseling so I could work more closely with students one-on-one, supporting them not just academically but emotionally. That role opened the door to deeper clinical work, and I went on to pursue my counseling licensure through the University of Minnesota so I could help people explore their own inner narratives — the ones that shape who they are and who they want to become.
I founded Lachlan as a way to continue that calling: to create a space where people feel empowered to understand themselves, nurture their relationships, and design lives they are excited to lead. It’s also a space for ongoing learning and collaboration with other providers — because I believe when we grow together as clinicians, our clients feel the difference.
Every step of my journey has been rooted in curiosity, connection, and honoring the stories that make each person who they are. And that’s still what guides me today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The therapy itself has always felt like the smoothest part — that work is my passion and what energizes me. The challenges have come more from the business side of private practice. There’s a steep learning curve when you don’t know what you don’t know, and I’ve had to grow comfortable with uncertainty, risk, and the administrative responsibilities that come with running a business.
Stepping into ownership has pushed me far outside my comfort zone at times, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve discovered how exhilarating it is to build something from the ground up — to create a space where people feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn and grow. And as I begin assembling a team and shaping the environment at Lachlan, those early challenges feel less like obstacles and more like part of a meaningful and exciting journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Lachlan Behavioral Health and Wellness, we believe in empowering individuals to create a life filled with meaning, connection and joy. We view life’s challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities—chances to learn, grow, and reconnect with your true purpose.
Our mission is to provide a safe, collaborative space for deep introspection and self-discovery. Through compassionate, strengths-based therapy, we help clients break free from fear-driven patterns, gain clarity on their past, and step into a future shaped by intentional choices. You are not meant to simply survive—you are meant to thrive.
My hope is that Lachlan becomes more than a therapy practice. We’re designing a community centered around curiosity, authentic connection, and continuous learning. We offer individual and couples therapy for those who want to better understand themselves and build relationships that feel fulfilling and secure. We also provide in-person continuing education and professional growth opportunities for mental health providers who are seeking depth, collaboration, and inspiration in their work. Our mission is to help people — clients and clinicians alike — feel empowered, supported, and excited about the lives they’re creating. Whether someone is looking for a therapist to walk alongside them or a place to grow professionally, Lachlan is designed to be that home.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The mental health field is in a fascinating period of transition. We’re seeing incredible advances—AI-powered support tools, widespread access to virtual therapy, and major investment from private equity groups leading to rapid expansion of large practices. It’s exciting to witness stigma fading and more people recognizing the importance of mental and relational health. Greater access is a tremendous win.
At the same time, I feel called to build something a bit different. With Lachlan, my vision is for a more intimate and connected environment—one where clinicians feel supported by their community and clients experience personalized, high-quality care. I believe there will always be a strong need for spaces where people can slow down, sit together in the same room, and feel deeply seen. While technology and scale have their place, I’m passionate about preserving the power of in-person connection and lifelong learning. For me, the future of mental health isn’t just bigger — it’s more human.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lachlanwellness.com
