Our Counselors Purpose- To provide professional insight in the context of Christ’s love in the process of resolving personal issues and strengthening families within the congregation and community. This is accomplished by offer- ing a variety of classes and programs, and individual, family, and couple counseling with experienced and professional counselors.
About Our Staff
DEBBIE COX SCHWALBE
Debbie Cox Schwalbe is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) since 2004 and has a Master’s Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of IL at Springfield, and h has an additional 12 hours of graduate credit in Gerontology. This is her second career in human services. She has a background in child welfare, addictions, equine-assisted therapy, and behavioral health counseling within a medical clinic setting. She has been employed in the not-for-profit sector for much of her 22-year career as a Therapist. Debbie views her profession as one of following God’s lead and continues to be dedicated to helping others expe- rience His true peace and emotional resilience.
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Debbie works with individuals from adolescents up to senior-aged adults, and with families, couples, and groups. Debbie typically uses a cognitive behavioral and strengths-based approach that is Christ-centered, and has ex- pertise in addressing trauma, mood & anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bereavement, parenting, adjustment to life events, and with overall coping skill development. She also has a passion for facilitating self-worth in females of all ages from God’s perspective and empha- sizing the love of Jesus as our true source of self-worth.
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PASTOR ROB GOODWIN
The Charis Center for Christian Counseling also includes Pastor Rob Goodwin, MDiv, LPC, as part of the team. Rob completed his Master of Divinity in May 2007 at Concordia Seminary-St. Louis and completed his Master’s in Counseling Degree from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University - Irvine, CA in 2021. He has enjoyed practicing locally through Crossing Healthcare and has practiced in a clinic specializing in eating disorders in California. Rob also serves as a Police Chaplain in the Decatur community. As a part of this team, he offers Christian based individual, couple, and family counseling in support of local congregations, our school, and the greater community. Rob also serves as Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and enjoys leading, preaching, and teaching. Rob is supervised by Debbie Cox Schwalbe, LCPC.
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You may contact Debbie and Rob at St. Paul's Church at 217-423-6955 or by email at rgoodwin@charischristiancounseling.com.