Erica | ccfcounseling

Erica Carpenter, Ph.D., LMFT-S

>> About Erica

Hi, I’m Dr. Erica Carpenter, a licensed therapist serving adults and couples in Plano and across Texas. I specialize in helping people navigate relationship challenges, life transitions, and the patterns that keep them feeling stuck - both within themselves and in connection with others.

Whether you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, overwhelmed by change, or unsure how to communicate your needs, therapy can offer a space to slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and create meaningful, lasting change.

>> credentials & professional training

I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (License #202458) in Texas, offering relationship-focused therapy for individuals and couples in Plano and statewide via telehealth informed by my specialized training in couple and family relationships.

B.S. in Psychology, minor in Business Administration (Texas A&M University - 2011)
M.S. in Family Therapy (Texas Woman’s University - 2014)
Ph.D. in Family Therapy (Texas Woman’s University - 2017)
LMFT Supervisor in the state of Texas & AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Professional Member of AAMFT and the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

In addition to my clinical work, I have contributed to the field through research and education. My dissertation research, which explored the mental and physical health impacts on adult children caregiving for a parent, was published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy. I have also conducted research on adult only children's experiences in romantic relationships and contributed two chapters to The Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy (2020). I have taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in Family Sciences, Couple & Family Therapy, and Counseling, and have served as adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University and Interim Clinic Director at the Texas Woman’s University’s Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic.

My clinical work is informed by advanced training and certifications:

Completed Level 1 Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

>> My approach to therapy

I believe that therapy isn’t just about fixing problems - it’s about understanding the patterns that shape your relationships and your inner world. My work is grounded in a relational and nervous system-informed approach, which means we look at:

How your past experiences show up in present relationships
How your nervous system responds to stress, conflict, and disconnection
How to build emotional safety - within yourself and with others

I integrate evidence-based approaches to help you:

Improve communication and reduce conflict
Feel more secure and connected in your relationships
Navigate life transitions with more clarity and confidence
Better understand your emotional responses and needs

>> who i work with

I work with adult individuals and couples in Plano and throughout Texas who are navigating:

Relationship and communication challenges
Life transitions (relationship changes, career changes, moves, identity shifts)
Feeling disconnected, stuck, or overwhelmed
Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
Patterns of conflict, avoidance, or shutdown in relationships

You don’t have to be in crisis to start therapy. Many of my clients come in simply wanting to feel more connected, grounded, and aligned in their lives and relationships.

>> What's it like to work with me

My work with clients is warm and nonjudgmental, structured but flexible, and insightful and practical. In our sessions, we won’t just talk about what’s happening. We’ll slow things down enough to understand why it’s happening and practice new ways of responding. For couples, this often means moving out of cycles of blame or withdrawal and into more open, connected conversations. For individuals, it often means building awareness, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

>> my philosophy

I believe:

Relationships are shaped by patterns - but patterns can change.
Conflict is often a signal of deeper unmet needs.
Emotional safety is the foundation of meaningful connection.
Growth happens when insight and experience come together.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and my role is to help guide, support, and challenge you in a way that feels both safe and productive.

>> Outside of the therapy room

I’m a big believer in practicing what I teach - which means I value slowing down, connecting with the people I love, and finding joy in small, everyday moments. When I'm not in the therapy room, you might find me on a walk, doing Pilates, catching up on my favorite reality TV shows, going to a concert, or browsing the aisles of Target or Homegoods.

>> Let's Connect

If you’re looking for a couples therapist or individual therapy in Plano or across Texas focused on relationships, communication, and personal growth, I’d love to connect. Reach out today to schedule a session and take the next step toward feeling more connected - in your relationships and within yourself.

SERVICES >>