About Erica Spartos, MA, LMFT

20 years of clinical experience in San Francisco

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA License #81057, with 20 years of clinical, counseling, and supervision experience. I graduated with a BA in English from Northern Arizona University and received an MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in Alameda, California. I also completed graduate level courses at New College of California in San Francisco.

I own and operate my private practice, Life Circle Center, in San Francisco. I currently serve as Clinical Supervisor at the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (CJCJ) in San Francisco, where I support clinicians working with youth involved in the justice system. Also, since becoming EMDR-trained, the protocol has become the foundation of my EMDR practice at Life Circle Center.

My background and approach

I began my counseling career volunteering at the GLBT National Help Center in 2006. Over the course of my career I provided psychotherapy and clinical case management to low-income youth and families across nine SFUSD public schools. That school-based experience continues to inform my teen therapy work in San Francisco. I also worked as a Case Manager to adults managing complex diagnoses in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. I worked at an Intensive Outpatient Program in San Francisco helping individuals and their families recover from co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

These experiences shape the way I work. I have sat with people at some of the hardest points of their lives, across a wide range of circumstances and communities, and I bring that depth of experience into every session. My approach is warm, compassionate, focused, and practical. I will meet you where you are. I will support you and your loved ones to resolve symptoms, meet goals, and live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Training and credentials

I have training, education, and experience in the following areas:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trained through Sonoma PTI, 2021
Shamanic Journey Facilitation, trained through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, 2024
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Attachment Focused Therapy
Family Systems Theory and Family Therapy
Mindfulness and Meditation
Motivational Interviewing
Harm Reduction
Crisis Counseling and Intervention
Clinical Supervision, Individual and Group
Clinical Training for Associates and New Therapists
Play Therapy and School Based Support
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Clinical Case Management

Who I work with

I am exceptionally passionate about working with young people, adolescents, adults, parents, and families. I welcome the LGBTQIA+ community, especially queer parents and families of all persuasions. I work with adults, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, substance use, and the full range of human experience.

I am also happy to support new therapists along the journey toward gaining licensure through individual and group supervision.

My three core specialty areas are EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and Anxiety Treatment. Each has a dedicated page with more information about my approach and what to expect.

Ready to take the first step?

I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit. There's no obligation and no pressure. Just a conversation to see how I might be able to help you.

Schedule a Free Consultation