Hi, I’m Don Mondell. I help Christian adults suffering with anger, addictions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, poor self-worth, or shame related to unresolved childhood trauma caused by abuse, abandonment, neglect, violence, harsh treatment, or family instability.
I am a trauma specialist, biblical counselor, and professional mental health coach, board-certified in health & wellness with over 35 years of experience. I’m also the founder of MySoulSteps.com (coming soon), FindTruePeace.com, and SoulCare Research, developer of the counseling tools HearHelp and P.R.A.Y., used by Christian counselors worldwide.
I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the International Christian Coaching Association, the International Board of Christian Care, and the Board of Christian Life Coaching.
More importantly, I advocate for victims and survivors of abuse.
For over 35 years, I have helped Christian adults affected by childhood trauma & abuse to mend their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual issues. It has been my life's passion to guide broken Christians toward wholeness in body & soul and a better life beyond their troubles.
I have been a husband to one wife for over 45 years, a father of four, a grandfather, and a Christian for 40+ years.
For those who require a deeper understanding of my ministry approach, I offer the following: education, credentials, philosophy, experience, professional associations, focus and process, and personal background.
Ministry Approach
My ministry takes a holistic approach (soul and body) to help broken Christians find emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness and discover God’s purpose for their lives. All information shared between you, my client, and me is confidential.
I hold advanced certifications in health & wellness, PTSD, complex trauma, stress assessment & treatment, grief, sexual abuse, personality assessment, neuroscience in trauma survivors, and assessment & practice of spiritual gifts as presented in the Bible.
Along with traditional course & exam training, I also received more than 20 years of rabbinic-style education & mentorship (akin to a trade apprenticeship) with studies & practice in pastoral counseling & care, mentoring, coaching & discipleship, bible & theology, and ministry management. In the areas of theology, human behavior, and counseling, I am especially indebted to:
Dr. J.R. Buskey
Dr. R.C. Sproul
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Mels Carbonell
Dr. David A. Seamands
Coursework
PTSD, Complex Trauma & Stress Assessment, Treatment: Laurel Shaler, Ph.D. & Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph.D.
Brain Health and Neuroscience: Dr. Timothy R. Jennings, M.D., AACC professional healthcare faculty
Sexual Abuse: Diane Langberg, Ph.D., Shannon Ethridge, M.A., Heather Gingrich, Ph.D.Biblical Foundation for Wellness: Tim Clinton, Ed.D., and Judi Quilici-Timmcke, Ph.D.
Health Wellness Assessment: Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.
Nutrition: Judi Quilici-Timmcke, Ph.D
Physical Fitness: Judi Quilici-Timmcke, Ph.D
Psychology of Weight Management: Linda Mintle, Ph.D
Stress: Archibald Hart, Ph.D., and Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.
Sleep: Archibald Hart, Ph.D.
Brain Health: Daniel Amen, MD
Pain: Marian Eberly, Ph.D.
Men’s Health: David Murphy, Ph.D.
Women’s Health: Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D., Linda Mintle, Ph.D., Georgia Shaffer, M.A., Jennifer Cisney, M.A.
Health Coaching: Lynda Clements, Jennifer Cisney, M.A
Old Testament Survey: Moody Bible Institute, multiple professors
Old & New Testament Survey: Dr. R.C. Sproul
New Testament Structure & Story: Dr. Lynn Cohick
Theology Proper & Christian Philosophy: Dr. R.C. Sproul
Pastoral Counseling Foundations & Practices: Dr. C. Gary Barnes
Biblical Soul Care: Dr. Tim Clinton
Pastoral Counseling: Dr. J.R. Buskey
Caring for People God’s Way: Dr. Tim Clinton
Human Behavior & Personality Temperaments: Dr. Mels Carbonell
DISC Personality Assessment Proficiency: Dr. Mels Carbonell
Spiritual Gifts Assessment: Dr. Mels Carbonell
Personality & Spiritual Gifts Theory: Dr. Mels Carbonell
Breaking Free: AACC, multiple instructors
Addiction & Recovery: AACC, multiple instructors
Stress & Trauma Care: AACC, multiple instructors
Health, Wellness & Nutrition: AACC, multiple instructors
Marriage Works: AACC, multiple instructors
Emotional Damage & Healing: Dr. David Seamands
Truth Encounter: Dr. J.R. Buskey
Transformation Prayer: Dr. Ed Smith
Interpersonal Neurobiology – The Nine Domains of Integration: Dr. Curt Thompson
Understanding the Brain – God’s Design, Mind, Renewal, and Neuroplasticity: Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.
The Brain and Intimacy – Is it Romance or Just Chemicals?: Jared Pingleton, Psy.D.
The Neurology of Grief – The Impact of Loss on the Brain: Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Grief, Health, and Well-being – Comorbidity and Mental Disorders: Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Why God? Spiritual Assessment with the Bereaved: Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
The Neurobiology of Childhood Trauma, Grief and Loss – Strategies and Interventions – Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D.
Restoring the Shattered Self – Treatment of Complex Trauma: Heather Gingrich, Ph.D.
Recognizing Trauma – How to Respond and Help: Jennifer Ellers, M.A.
Becoming a Safe Listener – Core Listening Skills and Responses to Trauma – Frederica Brooks Davis, Psy.D.
The Neurobiology of Trauma – Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
Complex Trauma: Core Issues, Trauma Bonds, the Brain and Neurobiology – Shannon Wolf, Ph.D.
Shame, Blame and Redemption – Curt Thompson, M.D.
Childhood Trauma, Families, and Generational Influence – Paul Bernard, Ph.D.
Grief and Trauma: Understanding the Connection – David Jenkins, Psy.D.
Trauma, Mental Health Disorders and Addiction – Warren Kinghorn, M.D.
Sexual Trauma and Violence – Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
Vicarious Trauma – Jennifer Ellers, M.A., and Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
The Antidote to Trauma – Attachment Bonds and Safe Relationships – Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Surviving and Thriving – Overcoming a Victim Mindset – Leslie Vernick, M.A.
The Church as a Healing Community – Diane Langberg, Ph.D.
Multicultural Sensitivity in Trauma-Informed Care – Frederica Brooks Davis, Psy.D.
Moving On – Creating a Better Life and Tomorrow – Georgia Shaffer, M.A.
Addiction & Recovery: An Introduction – Tim Clinton, Ed.D.
Theology of Addiction – Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D.
Models of Addiction – David Jenkins, Psy.D
The Neurobiology of Addiction – Mark Laaser, M.Div., Ph.D. & Todd Clements, M.D
The Addictive Cycle – Eric Scalise, Ph.D
Trauma and Addiction – Jennifer Cisney, M.A., Gary Sibcy, Psy.D., & Daniel Amen, M.D
Biological Aspects of Chemical Dependency and Addiction – Michael Lyles, M.D
Depressants – Michael Lyles, M.D
Prescription Drug Abuse – Michael Lyles, M.D
Stimulants – Michael Lyles, M.D
Hallucinogenics – Todd Clements, M.D.
Inhalants – Todd Clements, M.D.
Sexual Addiction – Mark Laaser, M.Div., Ph.D
Eating Disorders and Food Addiction – Linda Mintle, Ph.D
Gambling Addiction – Gregory Jantz, Ph.D
Adrenaline Addiction – Archibald Hart, Ph.D.
Spiritual Addiction & Sexual Addiction – Kenneth W. Nichols, Psy.D
Performance Addiction: The Search for Significance – Eric Scalise, Ph.D. & Jennifer Cisney, M.A.
Models of Treatment – David Jenkins, Psy.D. & Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D., Esq.
Screening, Assessment, and Referral – Marian Eberly, MSW, Ph.D. & Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D., Esq.
Dual Diagnosis and Comorbidity – Gary Sibcy, Ph.D
The Obsessive-Compulsive Continuum – Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Adolescents and Addiction – Leroy Scott, M.S.
Spiritual Applications – Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Beyond Codependency – Jennifer Cisney, M.A., and Debbie Laaser, M.A.
The Family and Recovery – David Stoop, Ph.D.
Marital Recovery from Addictions – Mark Laaser, M.Div., Ph.D. & Debbie Laaser, M.A.
Step-Based Approaches and Relapse Prevention – John Baker, MBA
Legal/Ethical Issues & Social Policy – Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D., Esq.
Professional Mental Health Coaching – AACC Multiple Instructors
Biblical Transformation and Renewal – Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Certifications
PTSD, Complex Trauma and Stress Assessment & Treatment: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Sexual Abuse: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Grief, Loss and the Brain: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Trauma Informed Care & Coaching: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Neurology of Emotions & Relationships: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Professional Mental Health Coaching: American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
DISC Personality Assessment: Advanced Certification, Uniquely You Organization
Spiritual Gifts Assessment: Advanced Certification, Uniquely You Organization
Human Behavior Consultant: Advanced Certification, Uniquely You Organization
Christian Health & Wellness Life Coach: Board Certified, American Association of Christian Counselors, International Board for Christian Care, International Christian Coaching Association
Philosophy
For 35+ years, I have studied sacred scripture, theology, biblical counseling, coaching, and discipleship. I base my ministry & practice upon that foundation. Thus, I believe the Bible holds solutions to our greatest needs.
I also believe that researchers & practitioners have succeeded in understanding a great deal of how the mind works; we call this Psychology.
Psychology offers insights into humans that align with Scripture and others that do not.
I also believe that psychology has devised some diagnostic instruments that can be helpful.
Though I believe Psychology has some valuable insights, instruments & processes, I do not operate from a humanistic worldview.
My worldview includes: Theology Proper, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Biblical Psychology, Human Psychology, Human Physical Health
Theology Proper is the study of God Himself. It focuses on knowing what we can know about God as revealed in sacred Scripture and in His creation.
Systematic Theology synthesizes the Bible, Church history, nature, and Christian philosophy into a Biblical worldview on a given topic.
Practical Theology is the core belief that drives behavior to accomplish God’s purposes in human life.
Biblical Psychology understands that the doctrines of salvation and sanctification do not operate solely in a physical, tangible, bodily sense. They are unavoidably psychological and nonetheless theological.
Human Psychology (man-discovered truth) is what we develop in understanding our inner human nature. I believe portions of Psychology align with sacred Scripture.
Human Physical Health (a man-discovered truth) is useful because God created us as integrated beings; what affects the body may affect the mind and vice versa.
In my mission to broken Christians, I use a combination of Scriptural truth along with well-known man-discovered truth.
When I say, “man-discovered truth,” I mean documented facts regarding the brain and body sciences, such as personality, emotion, intellect, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and human health.
I always suggest that people consult their professional healthcare provider when discussing the health of their body and mind.
Experience
Private practice: 15+ years
Founder/President: 5+ years
SoulCare Research
Staff – Counseling & Ministries Management: 15+ years
Harvest Temple, Largo, FL, Covenant Community Ministries, Ft. Myers, FL., New Hope Church, Kodak, TN.
Instructor/Counselor: 2 years
Mercy House, Men’s Rehab, Sevierville, TN
Professional Associations
International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA)
International Board of Christian Care (IBCC)
Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC)
American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
Biblical Counseling Coalition (BCC)
Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF)
Uniquely You Organization
Denomination Experience
Christian Missionary & Alliance, Reformed, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Church of God, Non-denominational, Roman Catholic
Spiritual Gifts
Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment, Exhortation, Teaching, Leadership, Administration
Focus
My focus is on adult Christians who suffered trauma during childhood, most often related to a form of abuse.
As adults, they have not yet properly resolved the trauma of their youth. This unresolved past leads to mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical issues in the present.
Some of the possible issues are addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, lack of forgiveness, troubled relationships, such as marriage, career, family, and friends, as well as a lengthy list of other difficulties. I call these troubled brethren broken Christians.
I am passionate about seeing broken Christians become whole and finally find true peace by knowing about and experiencing the Father’s love, the Son’s redemption, and the Spirit’s power to discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Process
To help broken Christians, I have developed a process called MySoulSteps.
MySoulSteps are three steps a broken Christian will take to finally find peace, passion & purpose.
SoulStep 1 is SoulHOPE — Peace for My Soul
SoulStep 2 is SoulFOCUS — Passion for My God
SoulStep 3 is SoulPURPOSE — Purpose for My Life
Projects
(in development)
AUTHOR – BOOKS
Upcoming book trilogy designed to help broken Christians, 1) lose the pain of their past, 2) find the love of their God, and 3) plan the path of their future.
SoulHOPE – Lose the Pain of My Past & Find Peace at Last – Help for Christians Affected by Alcoholics, Addicts or Abusers
SoulFOCUS – Experience Anew God’s Love for You
SoulPURPOSE – Why On Earth Am I Here?
AUTHOR – COURSES
Why On Earth Am I Here?
Godly ApPARENT
90-Minute Marriage Tune-up
EncourageMENTORS
H.A.B.I.T.
Family
Married once to one woman for 45+ years, four children, two grandchildren.
Personal
AGE: 60+
HOBBIES: Writing, Art, Reading, Photography, Music, A/V Production, Technology, Film
FAVORITES: Beach, Caribbean Cruises, Forests, Laughing
Additional Experience
I was raised in a family business and later earned my Marketing Communications diploma from Ashworth College.
I have also been a husband & father for 40+ years. In my early years, we had a large family that I could not support with a typical ministry salary alone.
Thus, like many small-church pastors, I functioned as a bi-vocational minister for many years. In addition to ministry, I worked in the private sector as the Director of Communications and Marketing for a construction firm. I also served in government as a Public Information Specialist, overseeing public relations.
Later in life, I added additional training to focus my experience & knowledge to become board-certified in mental, emotional, and physical health as a proper Christian advocate for victims and survivors of abuse and trauma.
Faith Statement
My faith, my beliefs, my “faith statement” is the same as the tenets of mainstream Christianity found below.
I believe: There is one God,(1) who is infinitely perfect,(2) existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (3)
Jesus Christ is the true God and the true man. (4) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. (5) He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust,(6) as a substitutionary sacrifice,(7) and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. (8) He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. (9) He is now at the right hand of Majesty on high as our great High Priest. (10) He will come again to establish His kingdom, righteousness, and peace. (11)
The Holy Spirit is a divine person (12) sent to indwell, guide, teach, and empower the believer (13) and convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. (14)
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice. (15)
Mankind was originally created in the image and likeness of God:(16) mankind fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men & women are born with a sinful nature,(17) are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. (18) The portion of the unrepentant and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment;(19) and that of the believer, in everlasting joy and bliss. (20)
Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ, and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God. (21)
It is the will of God that each believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified wholly,(22) being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. (23) This is both a crisis and a progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer subsequent to conversion. (24)
Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. (25) Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil are taught in the Scriptures and are privileges for the Church in this present age. (26)
The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, (27) which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations. (28) The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the gospel, and observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (29)
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life;(30) for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment. (31)
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent(32) and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. (33) This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. (34)
[1] Deuteronomy 6:4, [2] Matthew 5:48, [3] Matthew 28:19, [4] Philippians 2:6–11, [5] Luke 1:34–38, [6] 1 Peter 3:18, [7] Hebrews 2:9, [8] Romans 5:9, [9] Acts 2:23–24, [10] Hebrews 8:1, [11] Matthew 26:64, [12] John 14:15–18, [13] John 16:13; Acts 1:8, [14] John 16:7–11, [15] 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Timothy 3:15–16, [16] Genesis 1:27, [17] Romans 3:23, [18] 1 Corinthians15:20–23, [19] Revelation 21:8, [20] Revelation 21:1–4, [21] Titus 3:4–7, [22] 1 Thessalonians 5:23, [23] Acts 1:8, [24] Romans 6:1–14, [25] Matthew 8:16–17, [26] James 5:13–16, [27] Ephesians 1:22–23, [28] Matthew 28:19–20, [29] Acts 2:41–47, [30] 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, [31] John 5:28–29, [32] Hebrews 10:37, [33] Luke 21:27, [34] Titus 2:11–14
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