Christian Counseling

My Journey to Christ

I grew up as a lonely child carrying a deep sense of shame. The reasons behind it are not entirely mine to tell, but I will say this—my parents did the best they could. My father battled multiple sclerosis for many years, and my mother did everything in her power to care for him while also raising her children. Despite the challenges, they ensured I had a good education and supported me as I played a variety of sports.

During my senior year of high school, I had a near-death experience that changed my life. One morning, while driving to school, I fell asleep at the wheel. Suddenly, I felt a sharp smack on my chin. I woke up but kept my eyes closed. Then, I realized I was gripping something tightly and heard a clear voice say, “It’s the steering wheel, Paul!” I opened my eyes just in time to see I was seconds away from crashing into a cement barrier. Somehow, I regained control and made it safely to the school parking lot. Shaken but alive, I sat there and thanked God for saving my life.

Searching for Truth

At Gettysburg College, I majored in Classical Studies while taking as many religion courses as possible. I visited Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and explored African religions. My goal was to prove that all spiritual paths led to God. Along the way, I also delved into New Age practices.

One night, a Wiccan woman offered to read my runes. I accepted, but as soon as she finished, I felt as if a door to hell had been flung open into my life. Darkness settled over me, and though I was excelling academically, I felt as though my life was unraveling.

During my senior year, my New Testament professor, Dr. Myers, asked me to meet him after class. I assumed I had failed an assignment. Instead, he handed me an application packet and said, “Paul, I think I’ve figured out your future.” The packet was for a volunteer program in England.

Encountering the Power of Christ

In January 2000, I arrived at Caleb House in Clevedon, North Somerset, England. A ministry of Life for the World Trust, Caleb House provided a Christian home for men recovering from addiction. What no one realized at the time was that I needed the program just as much as the men I was there to serve.

It was there that I discovered Jesus Christ was far more real and powerful than I had ever imagined. One day, while walking into the house, I heard the Archbishop of Bath speaking on the radio. He said:

“When the Antichrist comes, he won’t be a mean guy with horns. He will be a nice guy preaching that all roads lead to heaven.”

At that moment, it felt like a dagger pierced my heart. Somehow, I made it through my shift, but when I got home, I dropped to my knees in repentance. I confessed how I had misled others in my pursuit of universalism. Life didn’t suddenly become easier, but through the love and wisdom of godly men and women, Jesus began to heal and free me from deep wounds.

Ministry and Calling

When I returned to the U.S., I planned to attend Bible college or seminary, but God had other plans. Instead, He led me through a season of working various jobs while serving in ministry.

I was ordained as an Associate Pastor at a storefront church, New England House of Worship in Waterbury, CT. Over the years, I have preached in a variety of settings, led home groups and small group studies, and been mentored by a remarkable man of God, Russ Leitch—a mentor whose wisdom and guidance shaped my ministry. Before his passing in 2015, I earned a Christian Counseling Certificate through his ministry, Spiritbuilders.

Most recently, I served as the head of the prayer ministry at NewOne Church in Farmington, Connecticut. Throughout my journey, God has continued to refine me, deepen my understanding of His love, and lead me to help others find healing and freedom in Christ.

Today

Helping You Experience Deeper, More Authentic Relationship with Jesus

My passion is to see people develop deeper, more intimate, and more authentic relationships with Jesus Christ. I want them to encounter the power of the Holy Spirit—bringing freedom, renewal, and vibrant two-way communication with God.

Foundational Work in Counseling

Whether I am providing Christian or secular counseling, the foundational work remains the same. My approach is rooted in understanding how the mind and emotions function, particularly when shaped by neglect, trauma, or addiction. Key areas of focus include:

  • Understanding the brain – How it processes experiences and responds to trauma, stress, and addiction.
  • Recognizing emotions and staying connected to the body – Learning to engage with and process intense emotions in a healthy way.
  • Developing self-regulation skills – Calming the body first, then quieting the mind.
  • Identifying unhealthy thought patterns – Replacing distorted thinking with healthier perspectives.
  • Building healthy relationships – Learning to connect with family and friends in meaningful and life-giving ways.
  • Setting boundaries – Establishing firm but loving limits with unhealthy people.

The Power of Christian Counseling

Christian counseling goes beyond traditional approaches by embracing the healing and restorative power of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This includes:

  • Tearing down faulty beliefs about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Building a healthy identity as beloved children of God.
  • Deepening our relationship with each member of the Trinity.
  • Developing spiritual weapons to live whole and victorious lives.
  • Inviting the Holy Spirit to guide, heal, and bring wisdom.

Prayer Ministry

Prayer is a fundamental part of each session, but deeper prayer ministry may sometimes be necessary. This can take place within a counseling session or in a separate 90-minute appointment. (These extended sessions are typically not covered by insurance but are offered freely. While donations for my time are welcome, they are never required.)

Prayer ministry may involve inner healing prayer, deliverance ministry, or a combination of both.

  • Inner Healing Prayer is a Holy Spirit-led process where we invite Jesus into deep wounds, painful memories, and traumatic experiences to bring healing. Many people carry lies, unforgiveness, and barriers that prevent them from receiving God’s love and truth.
  • Deliverance Ministry is about breaking free from demonic oppression that may be affecting a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or even physical health. While not all struggles are demonic, there are times when spiritual bondage plays a role in mental, emotional, or physical suffering.

I often recommend prayer ministry when individuals feel:
Stuck in addictions or unwanted behaviors that seem impossible to break.
Oppressed by dark thoughts or spiritual heaviness, feeling weighed down by something beyond themselves.
Overwhelmed by depression or mental health challenges that have not responded to traditional interventions.
Haunted by traumatic memories that continue to surface, causing pain, fear, or emotional numbness.
Burdened by excessive guilt or shame, struggling to accept grace and freedom in Christ.

Small Groups & Workshops

I also offer small groups and workshops from time to time, focusing on spiritual growth, healing, and deepening intimacy with Jesus. I am currently developing a Listening Prayer class to help people grow in their ability to hear and discern God’s voice.

My heart is to see people not only find healing and freedom but also cultivate a closer, more vibrant relationship with Jesus—one where they experience His love, guidance, and presence in their daily lives.