Meet Erika Ruber

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erika Ruber. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erika below.

Erika , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I attribute much of my confidence and self-esteem to being loved and seen by my parents, and the experiences I shared with an extended community of neighbors and family friends. I was raised in a home where there was space for everyone. Growing up, my dad often made omelettes on Sundays and would feed whoever walked through the door. And, many did (they are still the best omelettes around in my book)! This ability of allowing people to show up as their unique selves was really foundational for me to honor who I am. There was no pretense, and that welcoming atmosphere revealed that we all have different ways of showing up in the world with different gifts to bear, and ultimately that is what makes the world interesting.

This value of community gave me a real sense of acceptance , and also freedom. There was a sense of safety because there were always other adults, older siblings, and friends who had eyes on me, and that supported me in feeling free to explore. And, in my opinion,  safety provides an essential ingredient to living freely. It taught me the value of leaning into community and that this life is meant to be lived in connection.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a healer. That is the root of my passion and it’s my purpose in life. I offer this healing in various ways – both as a Mental Health Therapist and as a Dance/Movement Practitioner. What I offer is a safe space for people to be seen. And, in my experience, witnessing people in their struggles and triumphs, in their grief and joy…in their fullness… is at the root of all healing. My mission is to provide that space where people can grow into their fullest, most authentic versions of themselves.  In both individual and group work, we do this by releasing judgment and engaging curiosity in order to shine light on those parts that get buried in shame and saddled in criticism. Supporting people in coming “home” to themselves is a real honor and privilege.

I created a Movement Program called Emerge Movement which integrates dance and movement with group sharing and mindfulness. Dance has always been my therapy. It is that place where I am in my fullest presence and flow. Emerge Movement is a really powerful format that is especially needed right now in a world where there is so much separation and isolation. However, it is the Emerge Retreats that I offer that represent the culmination of all of my work as a healer. I offer a Fall Reset and a Spring Reset which are a deep dive into healing together through movement, meditation, journaling, group sharing, and being in the healing presence of nature. They are held in the Pacific Northwest and in Costa Rica, and  are filled with joy, connection, laughter, shedding, reclaiming, and so much playfulness!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are mindfulness, listening to my body, and being vulnerable. These are three areas that I invite people into, and as such, it is essential that I practice them regularly. My advice to young people is to listen to themselves more than the world around them. This is increasingly more difficult in a world where we are constantly bombarded with input, external opinions, and stimulation. At the end of the day, we live in our body and walk in our own shoes so it’s critical that we get comfortable with ourselves and that we are in alignment. We are constantly getting clues and signals in the form of our emotions and sensations. This is  our internal roadmap so we want to pay attention and be guided, correctly, to our next right step. We know it is “right” because our body provides the internal feedback loop that lets us know if we are out of alignment. We just need to listen deeply and without judgement to our internal voice and turn down the outside noise. And, when we are vulnerable, this opens connection to other humans and helps us feel less alone.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My Mentor and therapist, the late Matt Modrcin, PhD, has played a pivotal role in shaping the therapist I am today. Working with him first as a Professor in graduate school, then as mentor when I began my own practice, and finally as my therapist as I worked through some of my own issues, Matt modeled to me how this role can be creative and flexible. I remember when I sat on his couch as a client, crying profusely, and in between sobs said, “why would you ever refer people to me? I am a total mess!” He smiled and said “because you are doing your work and that’s how you guide others to do theirs”. That has always stayed with me and was very impactful as a young therapist doubting myself. It helped me see all the people I work with, both in my office, at classes, and on retreats, as fellow beings on this path of healing. This framework is essential to how I practice. Matt also encouraged me to start leading retreats. He came back from leading his men’s group in Costa Rica and said “Erika, you HAVE to lead retreats with all your movement work”. He modeled how to seamlessly be with clients on a retreat having lunch, then transition to Retreat Leader, and then transition to therapist once back in the office. I used to be so concerned as a young clinician that therapy had to look like a very boundaried, 50 minute hour, but Matt showed me that healing happens in many spheres and to bring my gifts fully and completely. So much so that in November 2024 I will be leading my very first Costa Rica retreat! Thanks Matt! RIP.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Designing Stories You Can Play: Yitong Hu on Interactive Storytelling in Games

For game and technical designer Yitong Hu, the power of games lies in their ability to

Highlighter Series
Building Support Where It’s Needed Most: Shaykara Webster on Advocating for Medically Fragile Children and Their Families

For Shaykara Webster, launching Salvation Private Home Care was both a professional mission and a deeply personal calling.

Highlighter Series
Bringing Ink Together: Misha’s Approach to “Transitional” Tattoos

For Misha, tattoos don’t have to exist as isolated pieces on the body. Through what he