Hi, I’m Don Mondell, the founder of FindTruePeace.com.
I help Christian adults suffering from addictions, anxiety, anger, depression, perfectionism, poor self-worth, or shame as a result of unresolved childhood abuse and trauma.
I am a counselor and professional mental health coach, board-certified in health & wellness with over 35 years of experience, and the founder of SoulCare Research, developer of the counseling tools HEARhelp and P.R.A.Y., used by Christian counselors worldwide, and the founder of SoulSTEPS.
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 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 myself 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, Ph.D.
- Dr. R.C. Sproul, Ph.D.
- Dr. Mels Carbonell, Ph.D.
- 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, Ph.D.
- New Testament Structure & Story: Dr. Lynn Cohick, Ph.D.
- Theology Proper & Christian Philosophy: Dr. R.C. Sproul, Ph.D.
- Pastoral Counseling Foundations & Practices: Dr. C. Gary Barnes, Ph.D.
- Biblical Soul Care: Dr. Tim Clinton, Ph.D.
- Pastoral Counseling: Dr. J.R. Buskey, Ph.D.
- Caring for People God’s Way: Dr. Tim Clinton, Ph.D.
- Human Behavior & Personality Temperaments: Dr. Mels Carbonell, Ph.D.
- DISC Personality Assessment Proficiency: Dr. Mels Carbonell, Ph.D.
- Spiritual Gifts Assessment: Dr. Mels Carbonell, Ph.D.
- Personality & Spiritual Gifts Theory: Dr. Mels Carbonell, Ph.D.
- 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, Ph.D.
- Transformation Prayer: Dr. Ed Smith, Ph.D.
- Interpersonal Neurobiology – The Nine Domains of Integration: Curt Thompson, M.D.
- 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 has some insights into humans that also align with Scripture and some 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 summarizes the Bible, Church history, nature, and Christian philosophy into a Biblical worldview about a topic.
- Practical Theology is the core beliefs that drive 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 are in agreement 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 a people consult their professional healthcare provider when we discuss the health of their body and mind.
Experience
Private Mentoring: 15+ years
In-office & FindTruePeace.com
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)
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 some 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 soulSTEPS.
soulSTEPS are three steps a broken Christian will take to find peace, passion & purpose finally.
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: one wife, 40+ years
- CHILDREN: one adult daughter, three adult sons
- GRANDCHILDREN: one granddaughter, one grandson
- MASCOT: Elly (Bengal/Domestic Feline)
Personal
- AGE: 60+
- HOBBIES: Writing, 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. Along with 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.
