Dr. Donald W. Welch – Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Degrees and Licenses:

  • M.S. in Family Therapy from Friends University (1998)

  • Ph.D. in Education from the University of Kansas (1994)

  • M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry/Theology from Nazarene Theological Seminary (1986)

  • M.A. in Religion from Point Loma Nazarene University (1980)

  • B.A. in Religion from Point Loma Nazarene University with a minor in Psychology (1978)

  • Certificate in Youth Ministries, Point Loma Nazarene University (1978)

  • Licensed in the state of Kansas as a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (#090) since 1998

  • Approved Supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 2005

  • Ordained Minister in the Church of the Nazarene since 1985

  • Ordained Minister-Supply in The Wesleyan Church since 2007

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #LMFT 50129, since 2011

Affiliations:

  • Clinical Member in the American Association of Marriage and Family

  • Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Member, Kansas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis® (T-JTA®) Authorized Instructor

  • Certified Human Behavior Consultant, Uniquely You, Inc.

  • Presenter, Prepare and Enrich, Life Innovations, Inc.

  • Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) Facilitator

  • Certified Sex Therapist with the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists

  • Welch Responsive Temperament Assessment (WRTA) Credentialed Facilitator

Faculty and Administrative Associations:

  • 2022 - Present, Welch Family Therapy Institute: Founder and Chief Executive Officer

  • 2009 - 2015, Azusa Pacific University, San Diego, California: Adjunct Professor in the M.S. Clinical Psychology department

  • 2006 - Present, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California: Adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology and Adjunct Professor in the Point Loma Nazarene University Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program

  • 2002 - Present, Center for Enriching Relationships: Founder and Chief Executive Officer

  • 1989 - 2005, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kansas: Coordinator, Department of Christian Education, Professor of Christian Education and Family Studies, Chairman of the Division of Management and Human Relations, Professor and supervisor of graduate students in the Masters in Counseling Program

  • 2001, Friends University, Wichita, Kansas: Adjunct Professor in the graduate Family Therapy program

  • 1989 - 1991, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri: Associate Registrar

  • 1987 - 1989, Pastoral Ministries Coordinator, International Headquarters, Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, Missouri

  • 1979 - 1983, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California: Resident Director, Associate Dean of Students, and Assistant Chaplain

Professional Speaking, Writing, and Video Productions:

  • Nationwide speaking engagements and seminars on the family and parenting, keynote addresses on marriage and the family at statewide organizations and universities, original research presented at national conferences, numerous radio guest appearances, and a 10-year running monthly live-streamed "My Therapist 'Sez'..." video broadcast

  • A wide variety of articles in magazines, newspapers, and biblical commentaries, including Group Publishing, Baker Publisher Group, Word Action Publishing, Nazarene Publishing House, Beacon Hill Press, Children's Ministry Magazine, Preachers Magazine, World Mission Magazine, Point Loma Nazarene University ViewPoint Magazine, Christian Examiner Newspaper, Kansas City Star Newspaper, Good News Newspaper

  • Contributions to books and devotionals, including the Evangelical Dictionary of Christian Education (Baker Books), Introducing Christian Education (Baker Books), Come Ye Apart (Nazarene Publishing House)

  • Author: Seven Deadly Sins (Beacon Hill Press), The Screen-Smart Kid (IP), and The Responsive Marriage: Finding the Path Out of Reactivity

  • Editor for Quest for Success (a College Guide for Freshman University Students)

  • Editorial Advisory Board for the Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association

  • Videos: Responsive Relationship Video Series (Welch Family Therapy Institute) and Learning How to FORGIVE Ourselves As We forgive Each Other (Word Action Publishing)

  • Author of Welch Responsive Temperament Assessment (WRTA)

Pastoral Experience:

  • 2006 - 2022, Counseling Pastor (part-time), Skyline Church, Rancho San Diego, California

  • 1987 - 2006, Interim Pastor of six churches in California, Kansas, and Missouri

  • 1983 - 1987, Senior Minister, Rainbow Boulevard Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, Kansas

  • 1981 - 1983, Director of College Ministries, First Church of the Nazarene, San Diego, California

Honors and Awards:

  • Senator Joel Anderson California Heroes Award, 2018

  • Trademark Top Doctors of America Honors Edition, 2018

  • Top Ten Pro-Family Heroes of 2015 (on Defend The Family.com)

  • Strathmore's Who's Who, 2011

  • Continental Who's Who, 2011

  • Who's Who Alliance, 2010

  • Distinguished Professionals Online, 2010/2011

  • Presidential Who's Who, 2010

  • Biltmore Who’s Who, 2007

  • Cambridge Who’s Who, 2006

  • National Registers Who’s Who In Executives and Professionals, 2006

  • Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2002, 2004, 2005

  • Gamma Epsilon Donald S. Metz Award for Distinctive Academic Contributions (Teacher of the Year by a vote of faculty and student body), MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2000-2001

  • Chi Psy Honor Society, 1998

  • International Who’s Who of Professionals, 1997

  • Outstanding Young Men In America: 1983, 1984, 1986