Welcome to my page!
I am happy to have you join me on my journey. I am Erica Rhoads, a licensed professional counselor, scholar, and educator who focuses on how understanding and connection can lead to better relationships and better mental health.
As an Assistant Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, I love combining faith with evidence-based practice to share with students. As a licensed professional counselor, I am passionate about helping individuals and families with children who have experienced trauma, whether that is a BIG “T” trauma or small “t” trauma. Sometimes the big Traumas are all that get noticed and get help, but the little traumas that happen over time can change the way a person’s brain functions just as easily.
My research interests include finding ways to help adoptive and foster parents connect with others when their trauma and distress become too much to handle when parenting children who have experienced developmental trauma leading to distressing behaviors. This was the focus of my dissertation:
A Phenomenological Study of Adoptive Parents’ Distress
I also have interests in exploring ways to flourish through self-compassion and neuroscience resources. Included on this website are artifacts, information, and resources that I hope will be helpful to you!
Let’s build Relationship & Connection.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP accredited) May 2024 Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA Graduate with High Distinction
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 hours, CACREP accredited) August 2020 Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA Graduate with High Distinction
B.A. in Psychology (Minor: Sociology) January 1997 University of Maryland, University College, College Park, MD Honors: magna cum laude
Erica Rhoads, PhD, LPC, NCC 