Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Pouncie.
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Long Island, New York, and made the transition to Texas after my family relocated.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), and I earned my Ph.D. in Education Supervision Counseling from Texas A&M University–Commerce. Currently, I serve as a Lecturer Professor at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Before that, I worked as a Clinical Case Manager for Veterans Programs, providing mental health and rehabilitation services at the Carr P. Collins Salvation Army in Dallas, Texas.
In addition to my academic and community work, I own and operate a private counseling practice in Richardson, Texas. There, I provide therapy and support for active-duty military personnel, veterans, civilians, adolescents, and their families.
My journey into counseling began after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I initially pursued a career in higher education, where I worked as an Admissions Advisor and was later promoted to Director of Admissions for various colleges and vocational schools. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of students—military and veteran populations, high schoolers, and adult learners from all backgrounds. My passion for education and helping others grow made counseling a natural and fulfilling career transition.
Outside of my professional life, I take self-care seriously. I enjoy working out, running 5Ks and 10Ks, cycling, and traveling whenever I can. I still make it a point to visit Long Island frequently, even for short trips. Something about the ocean grounds me and takes me back to being home on Long Island. I love boating, water sports, and spending time with family and friends whenever I get the chance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not it has not been smooth road but an amazing journey where I have learned lessons about myself and others. I had to learn how to set healthy boundaries when I worked in corporate America and know that my worth was not attached to a title but to being my authentic self without losing me. I had learned to make room for myself in order to pour into others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Erica Pouncie LPC, LCDC, LLC?
Here’s a first-person version of your response, tailored for a feature, spotlight, or profile:
My name is Erica, and I’ve built my practice around a deep commitment to serving others through counseling, especially those who’ve served. My experience includes working in private practice settings, serving as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) on military bases, and working within a Veteran Mental Health and Rehabilitation facility. I’ve also had the privilege of supporting individuals involved in veteran and civilian treatment courts, adolescent residential programs, and intensive outpatient treatment.
What I do is meet people exactly where they are in life. My counseling approach is grounded in empathy, adaptability, and cultural competence. I work with individuals, families, and groups across all backgrounds, with a particular focus on veterans transitioning back to civilian life. I tailor therapy to each client’s needs while also connecting them with valuable community resources that can support their healing journey.
One of the things that sets my practice apart is the inclusion of animal-assisted therapy. I have a therapy dog named Zeus who plays an integral role in supporting clients emotionally. He’s worked alongside me with veterans, including those awaiting their own service dogs, until we could successfully pair them with organizations like Patriot Paws, which does incredible work matching veterans with service animals.
I’m proud of the flexibility, compassion, and real-world insight I bring into every session. Whether someone is dealing with PTSD (combat or non-combat), military sexual trauma (MST), substance use, stress, career difficulties, or relationship struggles, I walk alongside them at their own pace.
The heart of my brand is this: healing looks different for everyone. My goal is always to help each client develop the tools and skills they need to reach emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness. Some journeys are short-term, others are longer, but each one is respected and supported with care and consistency.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know about my services, it’s that they’re personal, adaptable, and rooted in real-life experience. I don’t just offer therapy, I offer a safe space, an open mind, and a partner in the process.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When it comes to risk-taking, I definitely see myself as someone who’s not afraid to step into unfamiliar territory. I’m the kind of person who isn’t afraid to wade into waters others may hesitate to explore as long as I’ve taken time to learn about the environment or situation. I genuinely believe that challenges are where growth begins. Taking risks has played a huge role in shaping who I am and who I’m continuing to become.
That said, I do value structure and consistency, especially in the work I do and the agencies I partner with. I believe that even in structured systems, there has to be room for flexibility and adaptation. That’s where real transformation happens. Risk doesn’t always mean reckless; it can mean being willing to shift within a framework to improve outcomes and push progress.
On a more personal level, I’ve always been competitive, whether in sports or in life. One of the most recent risks I took was embarking on a fitness journey that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I trained for a year and made the decision to compete in the Battle of Texas in the bikini division. Just two years prior, stepping on stage was simply a thought, a “maybe someday.” But I made the choice to set a date, commit, and go for it. It was one of the most empowering and transformational things I’ve done for myself.
To me, risk-taking isn’t about being fearless it’s about facing fear and deciding to move forward anyway, with intention, curiosity, and grit.
Image Credits
Patriot Paws
