Who we are

We’re a husband-and-wife team and co-founders of Awen Psychotherapy—a practice devoted to presence, connection, and the deep healing that can unfold in the space of relationship.

We met while studying contemplative psychology at Naropa University, where our shared love for depth work, mindfulness, and body-based healing brought us together. Erika followed the somatic and yoga studies track; Edward focused on contemplative psychology and psychological science. Later, we continued our clinical training at Antioch University in Santa Barbara.

Though our paths were different, our roots are shared—in Buddhist psychology, somatic awareness, psychodynamic theory, and the belief that healing is not about fixing yourself, but about remembering who you are.

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Hi, we’re Erika and Edward Fales.

Our Philosophy

We believe healing is relational. We don't "diagnose and fix"—we accompany and attune.

  • The body holds deep wisdom, and we honor it as an essential guide.

  • You are already whole, even in your pain. Therapy is about remembering that.

  • Our work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and cultural humility.

  • We don’t rush your process. We walk at your pace.

Our goal is not to change you into someone else, but to help you reconnect with your own inner rhythm—your Awen.

What “Awen” Means to Us

Awen is a Welsh word that means inspiration, poetic flow, or “the breath of spirit.” For us, it captures something at the core of the healing process: the quiet unfolding of insight, wholeness, and presence.

In Celtic tradition, Awen was seen as a sacred force—something that moved through the poet or healer when they were in alignment with truth. In therapy, we see that same flow emerge when safety, trust, and attunement are present. It’s the moment when something old softens, when a new rhythm arises, or when a person hears their own voice more clearly.

We chose this name because we believe therapy can be a space of return—a place where inspiration and integration gently begin to flow again.

Meet the Team

Portrait of a man with light skin, brown hair tied back, beard, wearing a white dress shirt, smiling softly against a dark background.

Erika Fales, MA, LMFT
Founder, Awen Psychotherapy

(she/her)
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Education:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 156215

MA, Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara

BA, Contemplative Psychology with a somatic concentration, Naropa University

BA, Yoga Studies, Naropa University

Edward Fales, MA, LMFT
Founder, Awen Psychotherapy

(he/him)
Verified badge with check mark and the text 'Verified by Psychology Today'

Education:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 156216

MA, Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara

BA, Contemplative Psychology with a psychological Research, Naropa University