Erica Rhoads

Dr. Erica Rhoads earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Liberty University in May of 2024. Also at Liberty University, she earned an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling leading to licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. She has taught as an adjunct professor in the Liberty University CMHC online graduate program. She joined the IWU Division of Graduate Counseling as an Assistant Professor in August of 2025.

 Dr. Rhoads focuses on how understanding and connection can lead to better relationships and better mental health. She is passionate about educating people on the impact of trauma and helping individuals with trauma through her private practice, Rhythms of Grace Christian Counseling LLC. She is certified in EMDR and practices trauma-sensitive counseling using a variety of modalities.  She is a member of several counseling associations including the American Association of Christian Counselors, the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, as well as a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Honor Society. Dr. Rhoads has presented locally and at national conferences on various topics. She recently co-wrote a chapter on dissociative disorders in Psychopathology: A Professional Counseling Perspective. She resides in central Pennsylvania with her husband.

Interests

• Adoption
• Trauma
• Grace-Based Self-Compassion
• Christian Faith Integration in Counseling