Dr. Erica Stene Winkler, licensed therapist in Fargo providing counseling for adults.

About Dr. Erica

Counseling & Therapy in Fargo, ND

Telehealth Across North Dakota & Minnesota

I provide individual therapy for adults in Fargo, ND, with telehealth sessions available across North Dakota and Minnesota. My approach is warm, supportive, and personalized, helping you navigate life transitions, manage anxiety, heal from trauma, and work through periods of feeling stuck. Together, we’ll explore your goals, build practical skills, and focus on what matters most, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

I’m currently preparing to open my practice and will begin offering appointments starting April 2026.

If you’re interested in working together, please join the waitlist. I will reach out via email as soon scheduling opens with details about availability, next steps, and how to book a free consultation.

Hi, I’m Erica! I’m glad you are here.

My favorite way to experience the world is through stories and new adventures. I love learning from the people I meet, the places I explore, and the clients I work with in therapy. Curiosity and a sense of discovery guide me both in life and in my work

My life is full of moments that keep me grounded, including time with my two little kids, walks with our pup, planning trips, and carving out quiet time to read, enjoy the outdoors, or share a good meal with loved ones.

Life is full of complex, beautiful, and sometimes painful stories. I feel honored when clients trust me with theirs. I bring curiosity, warmth, and a steady, grounded presence into therapy. Together, we make room for the hard moments, the breakthroughs, and the humor that helps us breathe along the way. People often describe me as kind, supportive, and steady, and I feel grateful to witness the growth my clients experience.

Erica dog sledding on a snowy trail, reflecting the northern outdoor roots she brings to her work as a therapist in the Fargo–Moorhead community.
Erica traveling and enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, grounding her work as a warm, genuine therapist serving the Fargo–Moorhead region.
Erica hiking in New Zealand, embracing exploration and reflection—values she brings to her therapy work with clients across North Dakota and Minnesota.

Professional Background

I bring a strong educational and professional foundation to my counseling practice, combining advanced training, clinical experience, and specialized certifications to provide effective, client-centered support.

  • Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited) – Minnesota State University Mankato

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Services (CACREP-accredited) – Rider University

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Minnesota

  • Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) – North Dakota

  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)

  • Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Trained in EMDR Therapy

  • Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)

With over 14 years of counseling experience, I have supported adults in college and community settings through life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and periods of feeling stuck. My experience includes helping clients navigate major life changes and mental health challenges, crisis intervention, academic and career support, and group facilitation.

Beyond clinical counseling, I teach graduate and undergraduate courses in mental health and counseling, supervise emerging clinicians, and engage in ongoing professional development to provide support that is evidence-informed, practical, and client-centered. I combine academic expertise with real-world clinical experience to offer guidance that is compassionate, strengths-focused, and results-oriented.

Therapeutic Approach & Values

My work is grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and move forward with clarity and intention. I take a collaborative, flexible approach to counseling, tailoring each session to your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. I notice what’s working, celebrate progress, and focus on building strengths to help you in navigating challenges in a way that feels intentional and empowering.

Creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space is central to my practice. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to honoring each person’s identity, background, and perspective. I strive to approach our work with humility, authenticity, and an awareness of my own privileges, ensuring that therapy is a place where you feel seen, respected, and supported.

My therapeutic style integrates evidence-informed approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Building insight into the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

  • EMDR Therapy: Processing and healing the impact of trauma

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Centering safety, validation, and empowerment

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Strengthening emotional regulation, mindfulness, and coping skills

Together, we explore patterns, build practical skills, and work toward meaningful, sustainable change. When trauma or difficult experiences are part of your story, EMDR may be incorporated to support healing, reduce distress, and increase a sense of stability and control.

I support adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and periods of feeling stuck. My goal is to provide therapy that is strengths-based, client-centered, and deeply compassionate.

I’m currently preparing to open my practice and will begin offering appointments starting April 2026.

If you’re interested in working together, please join the waitlist. I will reach out via email as soon scheduling opens with details about availability, next steps, and how to book a free consultation.