Erin Tarkington, MAS-MFT, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
About Erin
Erin Tarkington is a compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical supervisor in Phoenix, Arizona. She helps individuals, couples, and families strengthen emotional connection and improve communication through trauma-informed, attachment-based care.
Erin creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore feelings, reduce conflict, and build deeper connection. Her therapy style is supportive, collaborative, and rooted in authenticity.
She draws inspiration from leaders like Bowlby, Ainsworth, Sue Johnson, Pia Mellody, and Gabor Maté. Erin values curiosity, empathy, and the power of safe relationships in healing.
In addition to therapy, she provides clinical supervision to new professionals with insight, reflection, and care. Erin is passionate about mentoring with compassion and clarity.
Outside of therapy, she enjoys musical theater, pickleball, and softball. She has over 15 years of experience performing and directing.
Above all, Erin helps clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow—both individually and in their relationships.
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Human Communication (BS)
Erin proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Communication from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. This milestone reflects not only her academic excellence but also her commitment to understanding and improving human interaction across various contexts.
Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development (BS)
Erin successfully earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University’s T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. Her studies centered on understanding the complexities of human growth, relationships, and family systems, equipping her with the knowledge and empathy to support individuals across the lifespan.
Master's of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAS)
Erin completed her Master’s of Advanced Study in Marriage and Family Therapy at Arizona State University, a rigorous, clinically focused program designed to train compassionate, ethical, and culturally competent therapists. Her graduate work reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges and transitions with empathy and expertise.
Infant/Family Studies Certificate - Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute
Erin earned her Infant/Family Studies Certificate through the prestigious Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute. This specialized post-graduate program deepened her expertise in working with infants, young children (0–5), and their caregivers, with an emphasis on early relational health, developmental understanding, and trauma-informed care.
Infant/Family Clinical Practice Certificate - Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute
Erin earned her Infant/Family Clinical Practice Certificate through the esteemed Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute. This advanced-level credential reflects intensive, hands-on training in dyadic clinical work with infants, toddlers, and their families, with a focus on promoting secure attachment, healing from trauma, and fostering relational health in early childhood.
My Approach
Family systems therapy views individuals through the lens of their relationships and family dynamics. It recognizes that behaviors and emotions are often shaped by these interactions, not isolated to one person.
Instead of focusing only on the individual, this approach explores how family roles, communication styles, and generational patterns affect emotional well-being. As a result, it uncovers deeper causes behind relational struggles.
By involving the whole family—or key relational figures—therapy promotes healthier dynamics, stronger communication, and improved emotional connection. It helps families understand one another with more empathy and less conflict.
Moreover, family systems therapy provides a safe space to explore shared emotional patterns. This creates meaningful change for both individuals and the family unit as a whole.
Ultimately, it’s effective because it targets root causes of distress, building long-term growth, security, and connection within the family system.
My Values
At Roots Relationship Therapy, inclusivity is central to everything we do. From the very beginning, we strive to create a welcoming, affirming therapeutic space where every individual feels seen, heard, and respected.
Whether you are seeking support as an individual, couple, or family, we honor all identities—including all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, religions, body sizes, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Additionally, we recognize the lasting effects of systemic oppression and aim to hold space for each person’s lived experience. Our therapy practice is grounded in cultural humility, anti-racism, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
Because of this commitment, we work to co-create a safe, authentic environment where you can fully show up as yourself. Your identity is not just accepted—it is celebrated.
Therapy should empower you, not judge you. With warmth, respect, and compassion, we welcome all clients who are looking for inclusive therapy in Phoenix and beyond.
You are welcome here—just as you are.