Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erica Holmes.
Hi Dr. Holmes, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Dr. Erica Holmes, Doc Erica, is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, author, speaker, and consultant who values knowledge, authenticity, and empowerment. I am who I am today, both professionally and personally, because of every person that I’ve met and every experience that I’ve had along the way. I was born in a small town in Arkansas, and my family was part of the great migration west from the south in the late ’70s. Like many other Black families, we landed East of Main in what was then called “South Central” Los Angeles. The transition was a major culture shock; however, it provided the foundation upon which everything else was laid. The integration of my Southern values of faith, family, community, and hard work with the necessary inner-city skills of street smarts, thinking fast, making do, and valuing difference have brought me a long way.
Growing up in a single-parent household, my mother always told my two brothers and I that we had everything we needed to be successful. She would never let us feel inferior because we were “poor”, and we were taught that education was a key. I began to view education as freedom: Freedom to have choices.
I decided that I wanted to be a medical doctor at age 10, so I threw myself into my schoolwork. Although I loved school and excelled, I also began to appreciate all of the “characters” in my neighborhood. I was able to see people for who they were and not judge them for their worst acts. This not only kept me grounded, but it taught me to appreciate the complexities of human beings.
Although I kept my eye on getting into college pre-med, I quickly learned that I was not cut out to work with blood and tissue. But what I did have, thanks to growing up in South LA, was the ability to connect with people on their level in a non judgemental way to help them figure things out. Psychology was a natural fit.
My early years solidified my desire to work with those who are often underserved, under-resourced, and most in need.
The journey wasn’t easy, nor was it a straight shot, my path was winding and bumpy but all of it has contributed to my success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not been smooth at all. Firstly, it was a challenge not seeing people who looked like me in the rooms I was trying to get into. When I was applying to my doctoral program, I didn’t know any Black people with a doctorate in anything other than medicine. Representation matters: Without it, it can make you question whether you belong. So, one struggle became quieting the inner voice/ inner critic that made me question myself.
Another challenge was money. School is not cheap. Neither is food, rent, and gas in LA. So, figuring out how I was going to do it while I was doing it was a challenge. I worked my way through a BA, MA, and PsyD degree. The struggle was real.
Lastly, delayed gratification was hard. As a young woman, seeing my friends hanging out, partying, and having a good time while I was at home studying was not easy at all. It was a sacrifice and choice that I had to make over and over and over again.
I don’t have time to mention the failed romantic relationships and how life kept on life-ing. However, although it wasn’t smooth sailing, it has all been worth it. I have the career of my dreams and am living a life that little me hoped for.
As you know, we’re big fans of H.O.M.M.s Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I have various professional roles. In addition to providing therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, I have authored four books on relationships. Additionally, I started my own organizational consulting firm. In my role as an organizational consultant, I help social service organizations with program development, program evaluation, employee training and workshops, and DEIB initiatives. Basically, I help organizations reach their programs and employee goals through strategic planning, training, and support.
I am also a frequent invited speaker at local, national, and international conferences and media events. My areas of expertise and numerous professional presentations focus on psychological trauma, relationships and coupling, equity, belonging and empowerment, psychotherapy with African American clients, and the integration of Christianity and Psychology.
What sets H.O.M.M.s Consulting apart from other consulting firms is our ability to meet people and organizations where they are to provide services that are tailored to each unique need and circumstance. I am extremely proud of the work that we do to enhance historically underserved, marginalized, and oppressed communities.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and you will continue to get closer to your goal. Know that there are multiple ways to reach your goal; don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
Also, make sure that you connect with people who are going where you’re trying to go and those who are already there.
You can learn valuable lessons of what to do and what not to do from those who have traveled the path already.
Live life along the journey. Sometimes we put off living because we are so focused on the destination. However, living along the way helps to round out your experience and your joy, which are invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.docerica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdocerica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012796759263
- Linkedin: linktr.ee/itsdocerica
