Cynthia Eriksson
PsyD Program Chair and Professor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Department
BA, Wheaton College
MA, PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary
Courses Taught
PC814: Clinical Interventions: Diversity
PG849: Introduction to Trauma
PG853: Advanced Program Evaluation
PI526/826: Trauma and Faith
PI802: Self-Care in Mission
Campus Affiliations
Areas of Expertise
Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, missionary mental health and self care, chronic stress and burnout in caregivers, spirituality and trauma reactions
“In the deep work of trauma recovery, understanding the human response to tragedy and grief is especially important. This knowledge orients us to a position of grace as we work to create places of safety, rituals of grief and connection, and opportunities to connect for trauma survivors. Walking with others through trauma, attending to our own pain, and engaging in God’s healing work can certainly grow us in mutual transformation.”
Dr. Eriksson, in an essay on brokenness and burnout in ministry, available here.
Bio
Cynthia Eriksson, a member of the School of Psychology faculty since 2000, is associate professor of psychology and chair of Fuller’s PsyD program. She participates in the Headington Program in International Trauma at Fuller.
Eriksson has done trauma training, research, and consultation in Monrovia, Liberia; Kobe, Japan; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Gulu, Uganda; and Amman, Jordan. Her research is particularly focused on the needs of cross-cultural aid or mission workers, as well as the interaction of trauma and spirituality. She has completed research on risk and resilience, exposure to stress, and spiritual development in urban youth workers funded by the Fuller Youth Institute. Eriksson also collaborated with colleagues in the US, Europe, and Africa on a longitudinal research project on stress in humanitarian aid workers funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Eriksson and her students are currently exploring the intersection of cultural humility and culturally-embedded resilience practices through collaborations with ministry agencies, and Fuller colleague, Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra.