Not Your Average Counseling
Brave Life Pastoral Counseling is a Christian counseling practice located in downtown Springfield, Ohio. We exist to provide holistic, Christ-centered, Spirit-infused counseling in order to promote spiritual and emotional wellness, to cultivate identities as sons and daughters of Papa God, and to empower people to live as “ministers of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Meet Your Counselors
Derek Ellis (MA, BCCC) is a 2016 graduate of Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with a specialization in life coaching. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wittenberg University in 2012 and plans to pursue his doctorate in the future. Derek is a Board Certified Christian Counselor through the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors, a professional organization associated with the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Derek currently serves as the counseling pastor at Champion City Church as well as the member of the staff teaching team. Derek was ordained as a minister within the Vineyard denomination in 2017. Brave Life Pastoral Counseling operates under the sponsorship and auspices of the elders of Champion City Church.
Jill Potter-Bonsell (MSW, LISW) is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma work with adults. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapy, and has been providing counseling to survivors of trauma since 2013. Jill is a 2015 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Anderson University in 2011, becoming a Licensed Social Worker in 2012, and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in 2017.
Jill is licensed through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) in the state of Ohio. Jill also works part-time in Columbus in the Mount Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance Program, specializing in trauma work with survivors of human trafficking. She has worked with individuals who struggle with addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other effects of trauma. Jill receives regular trainings and consultation to provide appropriate treatment to individuals who are experiencing dissociation, and she is pursuing training in Brainspotting, as well.
Jill currently serves as a worship leader and prayer team member at Champion City Church. She is happy to incorporate prayer and other spiritual practices into counseling sessions, by request.
Have a Question?
I’d love to answer. Just fill out the form below or give me a call or text: 937-202-4577