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, improve communication, and navigate challenges such as stagnation, disconnection, codependency, conflict patterns, attachment struggles, betrayal, and infidelity. Drawing on trauma-informed, attachment-based, and family systems care, she fosters growth and healing.
In her work, Erin creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore feelings and develop healthier ways to communicate. She also helps couples navigate rupture and repair, build deeper connection, and strengthen attunement. In particular, she is skilled in supporting high-conflict relationships, guiding partners toward productive disagreements while cultivating emotional safety, secure functioning, and mutual understanding. Furthermore, Erin values curiosity, empathy, and the power of safe relationships in healing.
Her therapy style is supportive, nurturing, collaborative, and rooted in authenticity. She draws inspiration from leaders such as John Bowlby, Sue Johnson, Pia Mellody, Gabor Maté, Brené Brown, and Peter Levine. Additionally, she incorporates approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, somatic trauma therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).
Erin also emphasizes the neuroscience of the nervous system, integrating co-regulation strategies and emotional metabolization techniques. As a result, she helps clients process and release difficult emotions safely while supporting self-regulation and connection.
In addition to her therapy work, Erin provides clinical supervision to new professionals with insight, reflection, and care. She is passionate about mentoring with compassion and nurture.
Outside of her work, Erin 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.