I believe, like Matthew Kelly, that life “is a wild and outrageous invitation full of uncertain outcomes.” For example, we age, and as we do, we encounter new challenges. We make mistakes and know failure, we experience changes in the work we do, our health, and our relationships, and we lose people and the things we love. Things happen to us in life that we cannot escape. Because we belong to each other, I have made the work of healing and helping people thrive, my mission. I know from years of doing this work that it is possible to thrive after brokenness. I have helped many on this journey and welcome the privilege of helping you, on yours.

MORE ABOUT ME…

What is it like to work with me?

As my client, you will find that I am committed to working with you to seek the change you desire and deserve. I will encourage you, challenge you, and provide you with the resources and inspiration for your journey. I will bring the very best of my gifts and graces in every session we meet.

What is my counseling experience?

My counseling experience spans over forty years of cross-cultural work in pastoral ministry, along with periods of work in outpatient behavioral health rehabilitative services with individuals and families.

What is my educational background?

My graduate and post-graduate academic and professional studies have been both in-depth and laser-focused on healing and providing hope to others. In addition to my earned degrees from the United Theological College of the West Indies/University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica; Christian Theological Seminary, Indiana; and the American Academy of Clinical Sexology, Orlando, Florida; I have certifications from studies in logotherapy, spiritual care, family therapy, mediation, relationship enrichment, gerontology, and grief counseling. I am credentialed as an Academic Associate of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, and a Certified Clinical Sexologist, and Diplomate, of the American Board of Sexology. I am a member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS).

What theories and treatment models shape how I do counseling?

My approach to counseling is shaped by my belief that we are all broken and in need of healing, and that we can not only survive the hard knocks of life but we can thrive. I boast over forty years of pastoral ministry grounded in religion and spirituality, in congregational and community ministry. In addition to the skills developed in pastoral ministry and hospital chaplaincy, I have accumulated significant training and experience in the theoretical framework and practice of structural family therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, narrative therapy, multicultural therapy, and bibliotherapy, among others. From all of the above, I draw specific techniques at appropriate times, to address the presenting needs of my clients.

TESTIMONIALS

“I was very impressed by the compassion and reverence which Dr. Smith showed me and the group of us bereaved women and men who participated in the grief support group which he led a few years ago. His explanation that there is no one way to grieve, and his encouragement that we should each process our grief at our own pace, were among the insights that guided me in my journey through grief.” (Caren Trowbridge, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.)

“Dr. John Smith, or ‘PJ’ as he is affectionately known, has a wonderful gift for listening well. He is extremely knowledgeable and insightful. His concern, compassion, empathy, humor, patience, and belief in the dignity and worth of every person, makes one feel both safe and valued in interactions with him.” (Rev. Jeffrey Engroff, Lionville, UMC.)