As an inner-city kid, I witnessed many hardships that affected the mental health of community members. I also witnessed first-hand the stigma associated with mental illness, limited access to care and the perceived cost of services. My dedication to the counseling profession comes from a desire to foster an environment for communal healing, which comes from a deeply personal place.
Kimberly Pearson, Ph.D. Ad Interim Assistant Professor
- Alum
- Faculty
Dr. Kimberly Pearson is a passionate counselor educator dedicated to nurturing the next generation of compassionate, skilled mental health professionals. Her broad academic preparation and professional experience in private practice prepared her with a unique blend of real-world insight and theoretical experience in her teaching and mentoring.
Her journey in counseling began with a strong commitment to addressing the community trauma and epidemic of mental illness she witnessed in her community. Her inner-city history positions her to work with diverse populations, focusing on bridging the gap between psychology and theology. Her experiences have deepened her clinical acumen and fueled her commitment to training future counselors who are culturally competent and ethically grounded.
Her scholarly pursuits extend to research and writing, focusing on the intersection of trauma, religion and resilience in therapeutic practice. She strives to bridge the gap between theory and application through her published works, providing fellow educators and practitioners with practical insights to enhance their work.
Beyond the classroom and writing desk, she is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization. She actively engages with community organizations, leading workshops and participating in panel discussions to promote open conversations about mental well-being.
When she's not shaping the minds of future counselors, Pearson enjoys watching her son play basketball, developing creative business strategies, and living the life she wants to live. She believes fostering a balanced life enhances both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
A Conversation with Dr. Pearson
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
Among the numerous esteemed colleges in Texas, A&M-Commerce stands out as an institution wholeheartedly committed to guiding students toward graduation rather than causing them frustration. I firmly believe that every student has the potential to attain their academic aspirations. As educators, our responsibility is to establish a nurturing and supportive environment that facilitates student success.
What draws you to your discipline?
What attracts me to the discipline of counseling is the conviction that robust communities stem from strong families, and these families are comprised of thriving individuals. As an inner-city kid, I witnessed many hardships that affected the mental health of community members. I also witnessed first-hand the stigma associated with mental illness, limited access to care and the perceived cost of services. My dedication to the counseling profession comes from a desire to foster an environment for communal healing, which comes from a deeply personal place.
What has been your favorite course to teach?
I have found great fulfillment in instructing internships and preparing emerging counselors to confidently embark on their professional journeys. My ardent commitment to the interplay of theory and practice underscores my belief that a robust theoretical framework is pivotal for counselors to maintain ethical integrity and excel in their practical endeavors. Additionally, the Developmental Life Span course has been a source of immense gratification, allowing me to weave together the intricate dynamics of nature versus nurture and its implications for human development.
Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.
Recently, I finalized my dissertation concerning a modified version of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. This version incorporates faith-based concepts and is tailored for African Americans with PTSD. Furthermore, I’ve completed my self-published book (Reset Intervention), and I’m providing the Reset Intervention program as a substantiated therapeutic intervention within my private practice. This project holds a special place in my heart, and I’m actively pursuing further research to encompass a diverse range of ethnicities and additional diagnostic categories.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Counseling Education and Supervision, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2021
- M.Ed., Community Counseling, University of North Texas at Dallas, 2014
- B.M., Music Theory and Composition, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1990
Research Interests
- Faith-based counseling
- Community trauma
- Intergenerational trauma