Dr. Carrie Elder
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Education
- B.A., Studio Art, Psychology Minor, Berry College
- M.S., Counseling and Art Therapy, Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Mercer University
Dr. Carrie Elder obtained her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Mercer. She earned her master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School and bachelor’s degree in studio art with minor in psychology from Berry College. She received a graduate certificate in mindfulness from Lesley University. Dr. Elder served as graduate art therapy program coordinator and internship director and as a counselor for Atlanta Regional Hospital.
Licensure
Dr. Elder is a licensed professional counselor, board-certified and registered art therapist and certified professional counselor supervisor. She will serve this year as clinical coordinator for Mercer’s counseling graduate programs. Dr. Elder’s research interests include counselor empathy, compassion and wellness.
Publications
She has recently published in the Southeastern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Newsletter, and the World Journal of Yoga, Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation.
Research
Her research has been accepted for presentation at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference and the National Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference.
Areas of professional interest
- Counselor Wellness
- Burnout
- Empathy and Compassion
- Contemplative Neuroscience
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Art Therapy
- Relational Cultural Theory
- Moral Injury in NGRI
- Counseling Counselors
- Postpartum Advocacy
- LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Memberships
She holds professional memberships in the American Counseling Association, Southeastern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia, Georgia Art Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association. Dr. Elder was selected as a data analyst for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs to determine the impact of COVID-19 on counseling programs.
Areas of specialization
- Characteristic-Based Ethics
- Group Dynamics in Counseling
- Creative and Experiential Activities in Supervision
- Counseling Adults with Severe and Persisting Mental Illness
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Counseling for Anxiety and Stress
- Art-based Interventions in Counseling