Eric Crawford, MS

Introduction

Eric is a dedicated fourth-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Department and serves as a graduate research assistant in the Thomas Youth Resilience Lab. His academic journey began with a degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University.

Experience

Before embarking on his Ph.D. journey, Eric accumulated five years of counseling experience, primarily working with African American males and families. He has completed two years of Doctoral clinical practice in community mental health, focusing on children and families experiencing trauma. Additionally, Eric's practicum experience includes providing consultation and training to early childhood and K-12 educators. His extensive background in clinical mental health counseling has honed his expertise in addressing the unique needs of these communities.

Eric's research interests are broad and impactful, focusing on the promotive ability of parents and parenting, particularly within Black communities. He explores the roles of emotional and racial socialization processes in psychosocial adjustment, emphasizing Black male development. Additionally, he is passionate about normalizing conversations about mental health, emotions, and traumatic experiences within African American families and communities. His academic and research endeavors are supported by the Education Graduate Research Scholars (Ed-GRS) Fellowship and the Wisconsin Center for Education Research Fellowship.

Outside the Office

Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Eric is a family man, married with two children. He enjoys discovering new experiences, such as trying unique foods like iguana, and equally values meeting new people and spending time alone. Eric's diverse interests and balanced lifestyle contribute to his holistic approach to counseling and research.