Erin Moran, Psy.D., Educator
When I see people stand fully in their truth, or when I see someone fall down and say "Damn, that really hurt. But, this is important to me and I'm going in again," my gut reaction is 'What a Badass.' We can have courage, or we can have comfort. But, we cannot have both at the same time. ~ Brené Brown
Meet Erin Moran, Psy.D.
Educator
Hello. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Early Child Development. As an Educator, I provide empathic guidance to those who could benefit from additional support from a professional specializing in the field of child development. I help with parents and their children learn better ways to overcome stressful circumstances. Central to my work is helping my clients develop a better understanding of their own emotional landscape, cultivate a more compassionate and curious approach in their relationships, and generally work towards building a more hopeful and inspired perspective into their daily lives. These wonderfully rich lessons inform us on how to best break free from old, entrenched patterns of existing toward cultivating a more meaningfully connected life.
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My approach in working with my clients is rooted in attachment-based theory to cultivate richer and more harmonious connection with family members. As part of this, work often includes learning how to improving parental regulation during times of stress, ways to establish and hold healthy boundaries, and facilitating more joyful relationship among family members.
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While I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I am not a licensed therapist. See below for a more descriptive explanation between the difference between my role as an Educator and that of a Therapist.
​On most days I bring my sidekick, Kahlil. She is a pretty empathic pup who looks forward to meeting you and your little ones.
My Background
I received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in 2009 with studies and research focused on child development and treatment of neurodiverse children. Upon receiving my degree, I worked as licensed Psychologist for 9 years specializing in working with neurodiverse children and their parents. Currently, I am no longer a licensed psychologist and instead work as an Educator.
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2009 - Dissertation Completion - Autism Focused Research
2012 - Adjunct Professor Pacific University - Hillsboro Campus
Taught Doctoral Candidates Child and Family Intervention Course
2020 - Present -
Parent Education Course - Alternate Course Approved
Clackamas County
2023 - Present
Rotating guest speaker for monthly Second Saturday
Educational seminar for individuals considering divorce
What is the difference between a therapist and an educator?
In meeting new clients I clarify that I am an Educator and not a licensed Therapist. Understandably, this is often met with confusion around the difference between the two and, more importantly, how can I help them as an Educator.
Quite simply, a licensed Therapist is qualified to conduct diagnostic evaluations and provide treatment for diagnosed mental illnesses. An Educator does not provide diagnostic or treatments services and instead focuses energy on improving understanding and skill sets to facilitate personal growth. In my role as Educator, I help my clients better understand what is contributing to areas of difficulty and learn healthier and more effective approaches to reach their goals.
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A richer and more meaningful description about the benefits of a teaching approach was given by Marshall Rosenberg, author of the book, Non-Violent Communication. In it he explains how "So much trouble individuals are struggling with is the product of the way they were educated by the culture in which they live in. Therefore, what was needed was a different kind of education, one that transforms thinking that leads to suffering into a thinking that contributes to a more compassionate connection." Which, for me, is essential in helping folks become the parents they want to be.