A Virtual Private Practice for Women in Midlife
No BS. Just the truth.
You’re holding it together for everyone…except yourself.
Therapy for women in midlife who feel anxious, stretched thin, and not quite like themselves—whether it's menopause, relationship changes, or the big “who am I now?” question.
California + Tennessee + Illinois
California + Tennessee + Illinois
Therapy
Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a wake up call…and an invitation for what’s next.
What Brings You Here?
“I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”—identity, confidence, trying to keep up with a body that seems to have its own agenda, peri/menopause, aging and emotional shifts.
“I’m Exhausted From Carrying Everything”—anxiety, overwhelm, caring for aging parents, parenting teens & young adults, emotional exhaustion, perfectionism.
“My Relationships Feel Different”—Marriage, divorce/separation, changing family dynamics, adult children, and learning to communicate what you need.
“I Know I want Something Different. I Just Don’t Know What”—midlife transitions, purpose, priorities, reinvention, the next chapter.
Therapy isn't about fixing what's wrong with you. And it isn't talking in circles week after week, either. It's a place to be honest about what's happening, and to actually move forward.
How I Work
My approach is part therapist, part coach. We'll make room for what's hard: the anxiety, the grief, the rage, the "who am I now?" And we'll work on real change in your actual life:
Getting clear on what you want in this next chapter.
Figuring out what's getting in the way.
Building real-life skills like setting boundaries, communicating differently, and asking for what you need.
Trying things between sessions and talking through what happened.
Finally making the decision you've been circling for months.
I'll be honest with you, I'll cheer you on, and when you need it, I'll be direct.
FAQ
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to get you started:
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Format: 1:1 sessions via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth video, for residents of Illinois, Tennessee, and California.
Focus: We start with what’s bringing you in—a pattern you’re noticing, a transition you’re navigating, a diagnosis, or simply a feeling that something isn’t right. From there, we’ll figure out together what you need and set goals that actually matter to you.
Between Sessions:
Many clients like having something to try between sessions, such as a conversation to have, a boundary to test, or a habit to shift. We’ll decide together what’s useful. There’s no homework police.
Length: Some clients come for a focused period around a specific transition or concern. Others choose ongoing support. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline—we’ll talk about what makes sense for you.
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My fee is $250 per 50-minute individual therapy session.
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I operate as a self-pay (private pay) therapist. This gives you more flexibility and privacy, because nothing is shared with an insurance company unless you choose to. If you'd like to seek out-of-network reimbursement, which can cover a significant portion of the overall cost per session, I can provide a superbill. Superbills include a diagnosis code, so we'll talk that through first.
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No. Many women come in because something feels off, or because they're ready for something to change. You don't need a diagnosis or a breaking point.
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Because of licensing, I’m accepting clients from those states currently.
I’m Erika Canale, LCSW, and for 25 years I’ve helped women through the moments when life shifts under their feet. Today that means midlife: kids who still need you, parents who are starting to, a body doing things without your permission, and a relationship (or a self) that feels unfamiliar.
I grew up in a generation taught to handle everything alone and make it look easy. That worked, until it didn’t. Eventually I saw that doing it all myself wasn’t strength anymore. It was armor I needed to outgrow.
So here’s what I want you to know: you’re not falling apart. You’re changing. The snapping, the hot flashes, the 2 a.m. replaying of old conversations, the feeling of being a stranger in your own marriage or skin are all real. They often point to a bigger question: Who am I now, and what do I actually want?
You don’t have to figure that out alone.
I’m direct and warm. I’ll tell you what I see, offer options, and work with you on solutions that fit your life. Your feelings matter. They just don’t get to drive.
No BS. Just honest conversation about what’s next. Let’s go.
About Me
What I Offer
I offer therapy for women in midlife, plus consulting and speaking for organizations and groups.
Have something else in mind? Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good fit.
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Clinical care in CA + TN + IL
Therapy for women navigating midlife —when anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or major life changes start feeling like more than you can sort through on your own.
This can be deep clinical work, with a therapist who understands that midlife can bring a lot to the surface—and that sometimes you need more than advice. You need a place to really work through it.
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Expert consulting and speaking for organizations, HR & leadership teams, and women’s & parenting groups navigating the realities of midlife.
From workplace conversations about menopause and caregiving to parenting teenagers and young adults, I bring 25 years of clinical experience and a practical understanding of what this season actually looks like.
No generic wellness content. No surface-level talking points. Just honest conversation, useful perspective, and tools people can actually use.
Signature Topics
Just Getting Started: How Women Over 50 Are Reinventing Work.
Strong and Seen: Raising Daughters Who Don’t Have to Hide.
From Director to Consultant: Parenting Teens and Twentysomethings Through the Launch.
Available for hourly consulting, project-based work, workshops, and keynote speaking.
Not Sure if Therapy is Right For You?
That's completely normal. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll figure it out together.
Let’s Work Together
You don’t have to navigate this season alone.
Whether you’re dealing with the emotional shifts of perimenopause and menopause, changing family relationships, parenting teenagers or adult children, setting boundaries, caring for aging parents, or simply wondering what comes next—I’m here to help you sort through it.
With 25 years of clinical experience and a real-world understanding of midlife, I offer a space where you can be honest, ask the hard questions, and figure out what you need next.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out.