Erica Pearson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC (she/her)

Professional/Education Background: I am a licensed and board-certified professional counselor with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and MA in Counseling. I started working with college students from the very beginning of my career because I love being able to support emerging adults with life transitions, coping skill development, and identity exploration. I have also worked in jails providing therapy to underserved and historically oppressed populations, including communities who are overrepresented in the legal system such as BIPOC individuals and individuals with severe mental illness. Animal-assisted therapy is a clinical and research interest of mine, and I have worked with my trained and registered therapy dog, Noodles, since 2016.  

Hometown: Clarkston, MI—just like how Kalamazoo is right between Detroit and Chicago, Clarkston is right between Detroit and Flint. 

Favorite Coping Skill: I credit box breathing (breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, breathing out for 4, and holding for 4) with my ability to move through the anxiety that comes up while doing challenging things. If you’ve attended one of my presentations on campus, know that I was doing some box breathing before I stepped up to the podium!  

Hobby: I love to hike, craft (crochet, cross stitch, embroidery), and read (thrillers are my favorite!). 

Learn more about Dr. Pearson on the Counseling Center’s staff page!