Meet Erin Tarkington of Roots Relationship Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Tarkington.

Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Where to begin…. I feel like the story starts when I was 7 years old. I was a very sensitive kid. Not sensitive in the way we typically think – yes, crying, screaming, big feelings, parent-child conflict, etc., those ways to– but when I say sensitive, I mean able to sense the world around me, emotionally and intuitively. This innate sense of empathy, curiosity, and compassion for the world, mixed with my own deep connection to my inner and outer emotional experiences and needs created a little human who was likely destined for this career path. Throughout my entire childhood, I was the go -to for venting, emotional digesting, receiving compassion and wisdom to help with communication and conflict resolution between others. Around 16 years old, I figured the only thing that I would like to do in life was be compassionate for a living. I discovered early on that connection with others is the only fulfilling purpose in this life. At the time though, I HATED school. I have a high sense of justice and struggle to conform to systems I deem pointless or ineffective and the high school system felt just that. My junior year of high school, I was pretty sure that I would just muscle through senior year and then nanny as my long term career. The thought of more school was agonizing. Nevertheless, I made the decision to attend Arizona State University, get a business degree, to check the box and say I did it. College was SO much better than high school. Freedom, autonomy, empowerment and most of all, learning material that actually felt like it mattered. I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the business classes, but I fell in love with my first communication class. At the end of my first semester of college, I switched to a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Shortly after, I added a minor in Family and Human Development and THIS is where my love for school really flourished. Working as a part time nanny and preschool teacher, going to school to learn how to communicate and build connection, and ultimately become a wonderful parent later in life felt super fulfilling, at least until I did a corporate summer internship working 8 am – 5 pm, M – F, for my entire summer. This. was. miserable. Uninspiring, exhausting, meaningless, agonizing, you get get the jist. I couldn’t bare the thought of graduating from undergrad and having to do some mind numbing, corporate play pretend job for the rest of my life, or at least until I could start my family and do the job I was really passionate about. I realized I didn’t have to settle for this. After years of being “the therapist friend,” it actually felt reachable to make a career out of this innate wisdom and skill I possessed. I quickly applied and was accepted into the Master of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Arizona State University, an accelerated 18 month program. I chose this program on a recommendation without knowing much about it, BUT it was the best choice ever. I quickly learned that a MAS-MFT program rooted in family systems theory which aligned with how I already understood people and change. Individual pain and stress never made sense to me as something that exists in a vacuum; it’s shaped by relationships, family patterns, culture, environment, and history. A relational, systems-based approach allowed me to look beyond symptoms and diagnoses and instead understand how people adapt within the contexts they’re in. This framework felt more honest, more compassionate, and ultimately more effective, because it honors the ways connection, attachment, our world, and interaction shape our inner lives. I developed a thirst for more knowledge that still cannot be quenched. After graduating in 2021, I started working for a group private practice as an associate level couples and family therapist and another wonderful organization called Southwest Human Development for the first two years post grad. It takes a minimum of two years to complete supervised client contact hours. Each day I fell more in love the therapetuic work I was doing. I have said since the beginning of my career, “I have truly never worked a day in my life since I graduated” and that has persisted all the way until present day. I had always dreamed of starting my own practice after finishing my hours, but my timeline was pushed back a little bit due to my engagement to my now husband. I figured I would wait until after the wedding (March 2025) to go out on my own business adventure. I figured 2026 would be my year, but shortly after the wedding, April 2025, it felt like it was time to take the jump and that is what I did. By May 2025, Roots Relationship Therapy was up and running here in Phoenix, in a temporary office, waiting for my actual office to be renovated as fast as humanly possibly. By July 1, 2025, my team and I were all set up in our cozy, warm, and welcoming office. It has been an absolute dream. While I still feel like a baby gazelle learning to walk at times, when it comes to running a business, I am so proud of the the life and career I get to lead with the most wonderful team, family, and friends surrounding me. The 7 & 16 year olds inside of me would never have believed you if you told them this is what their life looked like at 26 years old- married, running a business, and getting to connect with people for a living. I know I worked hard, but honestly, I just feel so lucky.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A healthy amount of struggle for sure, but honestly, I can’t complain. The hard times make the story so much richer.

My senior year of undergrad and first 16 months of graduate school occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning via zoom wasn’t my preference, but we got to attend in person school for our last few months which was lovely.

Of course there was the typical struggle with dysregulated and authoritarian supervisors, tension, and conflict along the way. This was probably the hardest to persevere through.

Working two jobs was exhausting at times for those first two years out of school.

Learning the ins and outs of business structure was a struggle for me too. I prefer emotions lol. I almost wish I went a little further with that original business degree. HA.

Ultimately though, as I sit here and reflect, I look back so fondly on all of those hard times. I had such a supportive circle around me, the hard moments don’t hold the memory of heaviness, just pride.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Roots Relationship Therapy?
At Roots Relationship Therapy, we believe that healing begins with human connection. That’s why we offer trauma-informed, attachment-based care for individuals, couples, and families who are seeking meaningful change and emotional wellness. Whether you’re navigating relational challenges or personal growth, our approach centers compassion, authenticity, and trust. As a result, we’ve become a trusted provider of relationship therapy in Phoenix, AZ. In addition to therapy, we also offer clinical supervision rooted in the same values—honoring each person’s story and fostering insight from the inside out. Through our work, we specialize in helping clients reconnect, communicate effectively, and move through life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose.

At Roots Relationship Therapy, we provide support thoughtfully tailored to the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families. Whether you’re seeking deeper connection, clarity, or healing, our services are designed to meet you where you are. For example, couples therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening emotional connection. In addition, family therapy addresses relational patterns, supports healthy boundaries, and fosters understanding among family members. Meanwhile, individual therapy offers a one-on-one space to collaboratively explore personal challenges, build resilience, and support mental and emotional wellbeing. Moreover, group therapy presents a powerful opportunity to heal through community, connection, and shared experience—creating a supportive space for growth alongside others on similar journeys. Altogether, we’re here to walk with you through meaningful change, step by step.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
It’s a toss up between three things. Empathy, wonder, and nervous system coherence.

Pricing:

• 50 minute session: $175
• 80 minute session: $280

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rootsrelationshiptherapy.com/rrxwp/
• Instagram: @rootsrelationshiptherapy

Image Credits
Jen Wilbur Photos