Author Details
Dr. Erica Varner-Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with extensive experience in the clinical mental health field. Before transitioning into counseling, she spent more than a decade building a successful career in corporate accounting, an experience that continues to influence her analytical approach, professionalism, and commitment to helping others navigate complex life challenges.
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Varner-Anderson has called Phoenix, Arizona home since 2017 after relocating when her husband, an active-duty member of the United States Air Force, was stationed at the local base. Together, they are raising two sons, ages 10 and 5, along with their Chihuahua, Yoda.
Dr. Varner-Anderson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Savannah State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Georgia Southwestern State University before pursuing a career in counseling. She later earned a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. Her unique educational background allows her to integrate business, leadership, research, and clinical practice into her work as both a counselor and counselor educator.
Dr. Varner-Anderson is the owner of Unshackled Minds Counseling, a private practice based in Arizona, where she provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. She also serves as a full-time faculty member at Grand Canyon University. She is an active member of the university's Admissions Committee, contributing to the selection and support of future counseling professionals.
Clinically, Dr. Varner-Anderson works with clients experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, multicultural issues, identity development, workplace stress, and life transitions. She utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling, drawing from multiple evidence-based modalities to meet the unique needs of each client.
As a scholar, Dr. Varner-Anderson's research interests include counselor education and supervision, the supervisory working alliance, multicultural counseling, counselor development, race-related concerns, advocacy, and culturally responsive clinical practice. She is committed to advancing the counseling profession through teaching, research, mentorship, and service.