Comfort Clinics

The Comfort Clinic is a training clinic for anyone who desires to deepen their understanding of mental health, make sense of their own inner struggles, and discover tools and resources that can bring them comfort. It is equally designed for anyone who desires to learn how to help others who are struggling with any form of mental or emotional suffering.

"It was the single most informative piece of information on mental illness I've had in my life." - Clinic Participant

"The Comfort Clinic offered our church a transformative experience, equipping us with practical tools to navigate life's challenges with biblical wisdom and psychological insight. We walked away empowered, resilient, and filled with renewed hope." - Kyle Gilstrap, Host Pastor, Whitehall, MT

"Jonathan articulated things that I feel but can't explain. This clinic is such a blessing to anyone who, like myself, struggles with their mental health." - Clinic Participant

"The Comfort Clinic was the most practical and helpful seminar I have attended when it comes to understanding mental health and equipping the church to care for others." - Dr. Jonathan Watson, Host Pastor, Appomattox, VA

"My favorite application from the clinic was Psalm 13 Therapy. I found that to be profoundly helpful and well put together. The small guide to help comfort those with mental illness will be a huge help to me and to anyone who needs immediate, effective therapy." - Clinic Participant

Absolutely! The clinic is designed to work best with a weekend emphasis, but the details can be personalized to your church, Christian school, or ministry context. Additional talks beyond the foundational sessions include:

Jonathan is not a licensed therapist. His advocacy for mental health ministry comes from four unique perspectives:

First, as a theologian and research scholar

In addition to his bachelor's and master's degrees in theology and religious education, Jonathan's doctoral degree is in pastoral counseling, with a focus on mental health. The scholarly work of his dissertation focused on mental health counseling and the church. 

Second, as a Christian counselor

As a biblical, Christian counselor, Jonathan desires to help people experience the hope and comfort of Christ. While his approach to counseling is anchored in the gospel of Jesus and the biblical wisdom of Scripture, he also carefully integrates theology and psychology, where possible, to accomplish a holistic care of the entire person: spiritual, physical, relational, and emotional. Jonathan is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. 

Third, as a local church pastor 

Jonathan longs to help the church be adequately informed and spiritually prepared to comfort sufferers with mental health difficulties. From counseling church members to church leaders, he has a pastor's heart and believes that his own life experiences have uniquely prepared him to compassionately strengthen others.

Fourth, as a mental health sufferer

Jonathan has personally experienced a ministry burnout, a subsequent season of depression, and has been medically diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder. As a result, his counseling and approach to mental health offer a unique perspective, combining both educational and experiential knowledge. 

Psalm 13 Therapy is a uniquely designed scriptural therapy to comfort and support sufferers of mental affliction. The six steps of Psalm 13 Therapy incorporate clinically informed, empirically tested techniques that connect with the theological principles presented in the context of the psalm. During a Comfort Clinic, sessions are available to train participants in the therapy, so that any lay Christian willing can take a sufferer through these steps with confidence. 

Jonathan's doctoral dissertation is published and available for download at Liberty University's Scholars Crossing.