Lawyers are often viewed by family, friends and society as strong, powerful, indestructible, and wholly self-reliant. However, reality is often quite the opposite.

As a practicing attorney for 28+ years, Eric knows all-too-well the emotional, physical and mental toll and impact that our legal profession takes on us. Eric, too, has lived under that image and pressure. Regardless if we practice in the private or public sectors, or are attorneys, judges, paralegals or mediators, it is quite common to hear colleagues express thoughts such as : "I love the law, but hate being a lawyer" or "the pressure to win or become partner is overwhelming."

We tend to live with a a self-maintained stigma that we can't ask for help since we are the ones who are trained to help others. Many studies show that professional men and women suffer greatly from a variety of mental health issues.

Beginning as a 1L, lawyer's are trained and taught to "win," "fight aggressively," "be methodical and detail-oriented," and "not let emotions get in the way of our client's best interests." Most of all, we tend to focus on the needs of our clients - to the exclusion and minimization of our own needs.

At some point in all of our careers, the "pursuit" stops becoming a goal and starts to feel more like a weight holding us down. During our work-days, we may obsessively research to find that obscure case to support our legal theories. We may work endless hours to keep us on partnership track, or to maintain our current partnership status. We may hear from our clients: "wow, amazing job. you're incredible." Our colleagues may say: "we heard you got a verdict in your client's favor on that "no-win" case!"

Attorneys are often viewed by others as "super-heroes." We save our clients millions of dollars, or win life-changing settlements for innocent victims. We may not literally use our strength to physically fight our opponents, but we passionately pursue justice daily using our bodies most important part: our brain.

But, even superheroes get weak and have vulnerabilities.

And, even superheroes need help sometimes.

One of the biggest challenges for professionals receiving the mental health help that they need is their reluctance to ask for help. Sometimes, it's the fear that acknowledging any mental health issues may negatively impact their good-standing status with the Bar. Similarly, those that work for law-firms, corporations or organizations, might be afraid to let their bosses, partners, or upper management know that they may need help for fear of appearing "weak," "unsuccessful" or a "drain" on the firm or organization. It's very common and makes sense in context for a lawyer to withhold their mental health issue when they have already worked so hard to make partner or complete their partnership track.

As an Attorney practicing law for over 28-years, Eric inherently know the challenges, pressure and impact that being a professional can have on one's mental health. By combining that background and experience with being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I understand the impact your mental health has not only on you, but on your entire family system.

Working with a mental health professional who understands your lifestyle, your pressures, and your "world" without explanation is invaluable. Regardless of the extent of your concerns, I work with professionals like you in a non-judgmental and collaborative manner to help you manage, reduce or eliminate these issues and problems from impacting your daily professional and personal life.