Awen Psychotherapy
A tailored approach to holistic mental health.
A Place to Come Home to Yourself
At Awen Psychotherapy, we offer a grounded, relational, and heart-centered approach to therapy supporting individuals and couples in navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, identity, and life's many transitions. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply seeking deeper clarity, we’re here to walk alongside you.
We are a husband-and-wife team. Erika and Edward Fales both contemplatively trained psychotherapists rooted in Buddhist psychology, somatic awareness, and attachment-based work. Our practice is inspired by the belief that healing happens not by fixing ourselves, but by reconnecting with our innate wholeness.
Why Awen?
Awen (pronounced AH-wen) is a Welsh word often translated as “inspiration,” “poetic flow,” or “spirit-breath.” But like many ancient words, its meaning is layered and alive. For us, Awen speaks to something at the heart of the therapeutic journey: the subtle, sacred movement of returning to one’s true self.
In Celtic tradition, Awen was believed to be the creative force that flows through poets, seers, and artists—a channel of wisdom that doesn’t come from the mind alone, but from something deeper, more intuitive, and interconnected. It is the breath that animates insight, the quiet clarity that emerges when we become still enough to listen.
In our work as therapists, we see Awen as the natural unfolding that happens when the right conditions are met, when safety, presence, and relationship allow space for what has been exiled to come back into connection. It is not about pushing for transformation, but about making room for it. Awen is the soft voice that says, you are already whole—even when it doesn't feel that way.
Therapy is not just about solving problems or fixing symptoms. It is about rediscovering your own rhythm, making sense of your story, and learning to inhabit your body, your relationships, and your choices with greater clarity and compassion. Like Awen, healing is a current that flows—not always in straight lines, but always with purpose.
Offerings
Do you experience feeling overwhelmed, checked out, or out of control? Perhaps you feel stuck in unwanted patterns or struggle with healthy boundaries? My practice focuses on working collaboratively with my clients as they grapple with major life transitions, anxiety or depression, traumatic experiences, poor boundaries, and personal or professional goals. Please contact me for a free consultation to discuss your goals and begin your journey.
Are you concerned that your arguments might be impacting the kids? Do you act more like roommates than lovers? Have you stopped having sex? Do you disagree on topics such as parenting, finances, or weekend plans? Are you missing the connection you once had? Have you or your spouse had an affair? Is alcohol, depression, or anxiety impacting your relationship? Are you thinking about separation or divorce? Is conflict from your past impacting your relationship today?
Almost all couples go through periods of disconnection. We will collaboratively work on skills that will help you cultivate a relationship that is secure, fulfilling, and resilient.
Do you find family life to be chaotic and overwhelming? Does conflict occur within parent, child, or sibling relationships that becomes hurtful, dismissive, or escalated? Do you want to support a family member with their mental health, eating disorder, or substance use recovery? Are you hoping to repair or strengthen relationships with your children, parents, or siblings? Are you experiencing loss or divorce and need family support? Are you blending families and need guidance?
We know what it is like to care deeply about children, parents, and siblings while struggling with family dynamics. Drawing from Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, we support family members to navigate these kinds of difficulties with safety, security, and confidence.
Hi, we are Erika & Edward Fales.
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Founder, Awen Psychotherapy
Erika integrates somatic therapy, mindfulness, and body-centered approaches to support clients through grief, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Her work is grounded in presence, compassion, and the wisdom of the body.
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Founder, Awen Psychotherapy
Edward weaves together somatic awareness, contemplative psychology, and psychodynamic theory to help individuals and couples reconnect with clarity, resilience, and self-understanding.
FAQs
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The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll explore what’s bringing you in, go over your history, and begin to get a sense of your goals. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable—we move at your pace, and there’s no pressure to have it all figured out.
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Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for clients across California. You can meet with us from the comfort of your own space, using a private and simple-to-access video platform.
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We work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship struggles, and major life transitions. We also support clients exploring identity, purpose, and meaning. All parts of you are welcome here.
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Sessions are typically 60 minutes. Most clients meet weekly, especially in the beginning, but we’ll collaborate on a rhythm that feels right for your needs and goals.
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Yes!
Currently in network with:
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross California
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Carelon Behavioral Health
Cigna
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
United Healthcare
....more insurance options coming soon!
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Yes. Many clients choose to work with us privately and submit for out-of-network reimbursement if eligible. We can guide you through the process or offer questions to ask your provider about coverage.
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Yes. We offer a brief 15–20 minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. You’re welcome to ask questions and get a feel for our approach before committing to ongoing sessions.
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Somatic therapy honors the connection between the body and mind. We pay attention to how emotions, memories, and stress show up physically—through sensations, posture, breath, or patterns of tension—and gently work with the body as a source of insight, safety, and healing. It's not about doing anything “right,” but about learning to listen inward with compassion.
"Don’t compare your path with anybody else’s. Your path is unique to you."
~ Ram Dass