Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor
About Erika
Erika is a wife, mom to two teens, and caretaker to four furry babies. She paints, gardens, or sinks deep into a good book as part of her self-care.
Erika is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Erika graduated with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University and is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision. Erika received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master's in Health Education from Texas A&M University in 1996 and 1998.
​
Erika worked for 17 years in education as a school counselor, behavior specialist, special education teacher, and Pre-K teacher. Erika has worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with severe emotional and behavioral disorders and with those who have experienced trauma. In June 2022, Erika left school counseling to focus on trauma work as a counselor for the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims & Children.
​
Erika is trained in EMDR, Adlerian Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, sand tray, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy; Erika is in phase 3 of the Registered Play Therapist™ process through the Association for Play Therapy. Erika is a member of the American Counselor Association, Texas Counselor Association, Association for Play Therapy, Texas Association for Play Therapy, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Chi Sigma Iota.
​
​
Presentations & Leadership
Leadership Academy - Association for Play Therapy 2023 Cohort
Identify professional leadership qualities & focus on growth of the Association for Play Therapy
Baylor University Guest Lecture October 2022 & February 2023
Impact of Trauma on Mental Health & Implications of Diversity on People Receiving Care
Texas Counseling Association Presentation November 2022
Multicultural Implications in Play Therapy in Title 1 Schools & Role of School Counselors
Lead Elementary School Counselor, Waco ISD 2021 - 2022
Advocate, collaborate, and guide district-wide initiatives and share pertinent information from the Texas legislature
Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development Presentation March 2021
Multicultural Implications in Play Therapy in Title 1 Schools & Role of School Counselors
Empatico & CLASSTAG Presentation & Interview September 2020
‘Fostering Empathy and Cross-Cultural Friendships through Virtual
Connection’
Erika is a trauma counselor, EMDR trained counselor, play therapist, mental health counselor and hope encourager
Erika's Philosophy
Erika believes there is a purpose behind behaviors. Erika believes in the worth of all human beings and that we may at times need help to unearth what is bothering us or learn healthy ways to cope. It is important for there to be a feeling of trust, empathy, and authenticity in the counselor-client dynamic. In other words, for the client and counselor to fit.
Erika does believe there is a purpose or goal behind behaviors and these can be revealed in therapy. And with guidance, revelation, and practice the behaviors can be replaced with behaviors which are healthier for the system of the individual, the family, and even school. This does work in tandem with parents working alongside the counselor.
Erika at Brain Builders Counseling & Consulting LLC is a trauma counselor, EMDR-trained counselor, play therapist, and mental health counselor