Share

Describing herself as a woman of quiet strength and determination, Erica Fulton is leaving her mark on the world as a compassionate counselor, eloquent author, and savvy entrepreneur. Erica is the founder of the Calm Corner, a unique organization that helps individuals who are facing life transitions and grief. By using her training as a chaplain as well as her clinical expertise, Erica guides individuals through the grieving process by helping them shift their perspectives of grief from something negative to a meaningful journey that can ignite healing and change. Don’t miss this Sheen Magazine exclusive where Erica shares her approach to grief and more of her passion.

Who is Erica Fulton?

I am a woman of quiet strength whose resourcefulness has helped me rejoice in my humble beginnings. When I think of myself, I think of Joseph who was often overlooked but rose to a place of prominence by the hand of God. As I evolve, I see myself slowly leaving behind the insecure girl who felt the need to hide who she was created to be. The lyrics from Mary J Blige’s song, “Doubt,” go like this: “Now you are looking at a leader, now you are starting at a queen.” Those lyrics describe where I now am in my journey. It feels like it took a lifetime to get to this place of peace, but I wouldn’t trade the experience because it all worked for my growth.

Tell us about the Calm Corner and the inspiration behind launching your business.

The mission and heart of the Calm Corner is to help those facing life transitions and grief. Our pro bono services include psychoeducational materials and grief training for clergy. The Calm Corner also represents a place of replenishment for women who wear many hats. We cohost a monthly open forum with loss of life advocates. We also believe that the ADHD community is often overlooked and ignored especially in the school system, which is why we welcome every opportunity to work with adults and children within the ADHD community.

God gave me the vision to launch the Calm Corner while I was searching for a 9-to-5 job in 2019. I initially started Calm Corner as a blog with the goal of utilizing my clinical expertise and chaplain training. I was inspired because I carry a divine burden for grief. Our greatest pain can become the place where we discover purpose. As someone who’s experienced the death of close family members including my husband, grandma, and recently my mother, I am well acquainted with grief. I understand how unique the experience of grief is for each person.

Please talk more about grief and why it’s good to grieve.

Grief is an emotional response to a loss, which is not limited to the physical death of someone. Grief is often perceived as a negative experience to be avoided rather than a journey to be embraced. Grieving is a natural process; we are created to grieve loss. Grief can become a catalyst for change. In my article, “The Hidden Gift of Grief,” I talk about the gift of grief as one explores the journey in all its totality—embracing the good, bad, and ugly. Grief can be a cleansing and an invitation to awaken.

Grief allows us to honor our old lives for what they were and move forward into the new. If we refuse to grieve, we refuse to grow. Grief is essential for all dimensions of our well-being. For example, grief is necessary for our emotional well-being because the grieving process allows us to process common grief emotions that include anger, shock, numbness, sadness, and depression.

What are some of your greatest accomplishments?  

I completed my chaplain residency at Memorial Herman Hospital, a level one trauma hospital. This is one of my greatest accomplishments because I fractured my ankle, broke a bone in my foot, and lost my grandmother during this period. I was the first in the history of the seminary to graduate with both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Counseling in 2016. This is a testimony to the faithfulness of God. Through a chain of events, I was able to switch to another Master of Divinity that allowed me to graduate with both degrees at once.

What advice would you give someone who wants to mirror your success?

Do your inner work when working with the traumatized and bereaved population. It’s beautiful work but without consistent self-care, burnout and compassion fatigue can quickly become a reality. As I continue to grow in my life and career, self-care becomes less of an option and more a priority. I also advise you to have an accountability partner and to never be in such a hurry to get to your destination that you forget to enjoy the journey.

What sense of purpose do you draw from your culture and community?

My sense of purpose is rooted in my faith, so my faith community heavily influences my clinical practice in how I carry out soul care. My pastor and father in the ministry taught me this principle—people are not a means to an end. My role is that of a servant, which embodies every facet of my life and influences how I interact with the oppressed, marginalized, and broken-hearted. My heart is not only meant to be a counselor and an advocate. God will hold me accountable for how I handle my stewardship because to whom much is given, much is also required.

What’s your truth about the current state of the world?  

We live in a world where everyone wants to be served, but no one wants to bear the weight of a servant’s heart. Sitting with people in their trauma, grief, and loss requires compassion and patience. People have become true lovers of themselves and have no regard for their neighbor. It’s all about me, myself, and I. Consequently, I also see those who are reaching out to others even amid their own pain.

How has the pandemic impacted your career?  

The pandemic has given me more visibility. I’ve seen more need for connection than ever before. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Robin Exum (LPC-S and a LCDC), a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Services Provider for ADHD, my services are more in demand now than when the pandemic began.

Where can we find you?

My website, Facebook, Instagram, Email: thecalmcorner.org@outlook.com, and Linked In: Erica Denise Fulton  

Also, be on the lookout for our monthly open forum on grief.

 

 

All images provided by Erica Fulton