Kara Erolin
Ph.D. candidate,
marriage and family therapy,
Department of Family Social Science
While Kara Erolin’s interest in developing culturally appropriate assessments and interventions for families has taken her to Monterrey, Mexico, many times, she says there is plenty of work to be done right here in the Twin Cities.
Erolin’s dissertation focuses on the impact of child maltreatment on relationships between mothers and children in Monterrey. Her research is being developed jointly with her adviser, associate professor Elizabeth Wieling, and will be used in an implementation study comparing treatments for use worldwide.
“One of our goals is to cut across trauma and cultural contexts both in the U.S. and internationally,” Erolin explains. “Existing assessments or interventions tend to focus on the individual person, but this protocol assesses the impacts on family relationships.”
Back at home, Erolin’s clinical work at the Walk-In Counseling Center in Minneapolis has brought her face-to-face with a culturally mixed clientele of individuals and couples experiencing stress, depression, and chemical addiction. The center offers no-fee, anonymous counseling, which attracts marginalized and underserved populations, she explains.
Previously, she provided counseling at Phalen Village Clinic in St. Paul. “At every one of my placement sites I’ve been able to work with diverse clients with traumatic stress issues,” Erolin comments.
Erolin is licensed as an associate level marriage and family therapist and is hoping to receive her doctorate this year as she works towards full licensure.
—B.M.