grass valley/Nevada County cALIFORNIA

Eric brings a rare combination of real-world experience, clinical expertise, and leadership to his work with clients. As Director of E5 Therapy’s Nevada County office and Assistant Director of the organization, he is deeply committed to providing high-quality, culturally competent care to those navigating trauma, stress, and life transitions.

Eric holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology and Leadership, along with a background in Criminal Justice Administration and advanced training in counseling skills. He is a Certified First Responder Associate Therapist (CFRA), Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and C-DBT Certified clinician, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate at National University. His clinical training also includes the FLASH technique for trauma processing and Gottman Level 1 & 2 training for couples therapy.

What sets Eric apart is his lived experience. He served over 22 years in the military, including as a plank owner in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Enforcement rate and as a Psychological Operations Specialist in the U.S. Army, completing multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He medically retired as a Sergeant First Class. Following his military career, Eric also served as a police officer in the Bay Area, giving him firsthand insight into the demands placed on first responders.

Because of this background, Eric specializes in working with:

Veterans and active-duty service members

Law enforcement and first responders

Couples—especially those within military and first responder cultures

Individuals struggling with trauma, moral injury, and identity transitions

Eric has extensive experience working with couples navigating the unique stressors of service-based careers, including operational stress, emotional withdrawal, communication breakdown, and the long-term impact of trauma on relationships. Using the Gottman Method, along with trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches, he helps couples move out of cycles of conflict and disconnection and into accountability, emotional safety, and genuine partnership. He understands how trauma shows up in relationships—and how to help both partners address it without blame.

Eric also works with both traditional and non-traditional relationship structures, including ethical non-monogamy and kink-informed dynamics, with a focus on safety, communication, and accountability.

Eric’s approach is direct, grounded, and results-oriented. He helps clients not only understand their experiences—but regain control, rebuild identity, and move forward with clarity and strength. He integrates evidence-based modalities such as DBT, trauma-informed care, ACT, and cognitive processing approaches, while also bringing a practical, no-nonsense perspective shaped by decades of service.

Eric also incorporates performance and lifestyle elements into his work, supported by his certification as a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, helping clients align mental health with physical well-being.

Clients who work with Eric can expect a therapist who understands high-stakes environments, speaks their language, and is committed to real change—not just talk.

With a warm, compassionate approach, Riann helps clients navigate lifes challenges, develop healthier coping strategies, and build meaningful connections. Drawing on years of experience in mental health care, she specializes in play therapy, ADHD,anxiety,depression,shame, guilt, relationship issues, behavior analysis and trauma recovery. 

Riann beleives that therapy is a collaborative journey-one where trust, empathy, and understanding create a safe space for growth. Using evidence based approaches such as trauma - informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Rationale Emotive Behavior Therapy and other treatment methods, she tailors each session to meet the unique needs and goals of every client. 

Riann works with individuals, including children and teenagers, as well as families, fostering resilience and encouraging self discovery. Whether you are seeking support for a specific issue or hoping to better understand yourself, she is dedicated to helping you create lasting positive change. 

When not in session, she enjoys tie with her family, watching Bay Area sports teams ( Go Giants,Warriors,Sharks and 49ers!), playing golf, travel and hanging out with her four pet goat. Riann is also the proud mother in law of an Air Force member and worked as a civilian in Law Enforcement for 15 years.  

Hi!
"I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen and understood. I offer a warm and grounded space where you can slow down, explore what’s weighing on your heart, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked or silenced. Together, we gently untangle emotional patterns, deepen self-awareness, and support your growth toward greater clarity, connection, and inner steadiness. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, walking with you as you make sense of your experiences and move toward the healthier, more aligned version of yourself you’re longing to become.

I integrate "GIFT Therapy—Growth, Insight, Forgiveness, and Transformation" into a holistic, evidence-informed approach that brings together emotionally focused therapy, identity development, and mind-body-spirit integration. My clinical work emphasizes increasing self-awareness, understanding ego patterns, and supporting relational healing through a grounded and compassionate therapeutic process.

I use established psychotherapeutic frameworks while incorporating practices that promote emotional regulation, self-reflection, and spiritual or values-based alignment when appropriate. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with what matters most, and move toward meaningful and sustainable change. Together, we work to understand the roots of distress, strengthen internal resources, and cultivate healthier patterns of relating to yourself and to others.

Clinical Focus Areas
• Emotionally Focused & Attachment-Based Therapy
• Identity Development, Self-Compassion, & Forgiveness-Oriented Work
• Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive, & Faith-Integrated Care

Populations I Support
• Individuals and couples navigating life transitions, trauma histories, or relational strain
• Veterans, professionals, and caregivers coping with burnout, identity shifts, or chronic stress
• Men, women, and multicultural communities seeking empowerment, clarity, and holistic growth

My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and deeply relational. I believe healing happens through awareness, accountability, connection, and the courage to explore what’s been held inside. My role is to walk with you (thoughtfully and collaboratively) as you move toward greater balance, purpose, and emotional well-being.

Courtney  is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with a strong foundation in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSUEB and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University.

Coming from a family rooted in military and first-responder service, Courtney brings a unique perspective to her therapeutic work, grounded in resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face as they navigate high-stress environments.

Courtney has experience supporting clients across the lifespan and is especially passionate about working with both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Her diverse background allows her to tailor her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, fostering a collaborative, compassionate, and empowering therapeutic experience.