Carpenter Couple & Family Counseling, PLLC
Erica Carpenter, Ph.D., LMFT-S
Erica Carpenter, Ph.D., LMFT-S
About Erica
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Dr. Erica Carpenter is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Texas License #202458) with specialized training in couple and family relationships. She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from Texas A&M University in 2011, followed by an M.S. in Family Therapy in 2014 and a Ph.D. in Family Therapy in 2017, both from Texas Woman’s University. Erica is an LMFT Supervisor in the state of Texas, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is also a Professional Member of both AAMFT and the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
In addition to her clinical work, Erica has contributed to the field through research and education. Her 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. She has 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). Erica has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in Family Sciences, Couple & Family Therapy, and Counseling, and has served as adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University and Interim Clinic Director at the Texas Woman’s University’s Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic.
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Outside of the therapy room, you can probably find Erica catching up on her favorite reality TV shows, going to a concert, or browsing the aisles of Target or Homegoods.
Erica's Approach to Therapy
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Erica works with individuals, couples, and families through a collaborative, strengths-based approach. She is passionate about helping clients build meaningful relationships, foster personal growth, and reconnect with their most authentic selves. Erica believes that clients are the experts in their own lives, and she views therapy as a shared process—one where goals are developed together with care and intention. Her role is not to direct, but to walk alongside you as you navigate change, explore new perspectives, and grow into the version of yourself you're ready to become.
Erica practices from an experiential approach, grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for change and already holds the inner strengths needed to grow. Her role is to help you uncover those strengths and learn how to apply them in meaningful ways. She views the therapy session itself as a powerful space for transformation—where real, lasting change can begin to take root. With this in mind, Erica is intentional about creating a safe, supportive, and open environment in each session. She also recognizes that many people struggle to express their true, creative, and authentic selves—often due to past experiences or protective patterns. Erica’s goal is to foster a space where clients can gently reconnect with that part of themselves and thrive, both individually and in their relationships.
Erica specializes in working with couples and is passionate about supporting partners in deepening their connection. In her work, she focuses on creating a sense of safety and acceptance within the therapy space, helping couples strengthen their bond, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries—both around the relationship and within it. She also supports each partner in exploring their authentic self and learning how to show up more fully and honestly in the relationship. Erica has completed the Level 1 Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and thoughtfully integrates Gottman-based tools and principles into her work. Click the link below to learn more about the areas Erica works with.
