Dennis Hounshell • Counseling Director
About Dennis
“God saw fit to bring us to Christ’s Church after each of our three children came to Joplin to study at Ozark Christian College. Carol and I grew to love this area of Missouri as a result of numerous trips to the college and meeting some amazing people who call this home. When the door opened to join the staff of Christ’s Church we were extremely thankful. I am so privileged to serve as the Director of Haven Counseling and oversee several recovery ministries (Redemption Recovery, DivorceCare, Single and Parenting). I am especially excited to also serve couples in marriage, premarital, individual, and family counseling through Haven and lead in developing a stronger ministry to families.”
Dennis married his wife Carol on June 10, 1989. They have a son, Daniel, and two daughters, Julia and Karin.
Dennis’s favorite pastime: Camping and fishing
Dennis’s favorite invention: The Microwave
Dennis’s favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Dennis’ Counseling Background
Dennis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 35 years of ministry and counseling experience, working with teens, individuals, couples, and families. He holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Johnson University. Before joining Christ’s Church staff in 2018 as Director of Counseling, Dennis served churches in Indiana, Tennessee, and Missouri.
He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a certified premarital counselor. Dennis is passionate about helping couples prepare for marriage using both the Prepare/Enrich and SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) tools. He has additional training from the Gottman Institute and regularly uses their methods in his work with couples.
Dennis also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his practice, especially for addressing anger, anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, and codependency. He has led faith-based recovery programs and teaches a 12-step approach to overcoming life’s challenges. Additionally, he teaches premarital and marriage enrichment classes at Christ’s Church.
Dennis brings a compassionate and biblical approach to therapy. He believes in the power of the Gospel to bring lasting life change and views counseling as a space where God works to restore emotional, relational, and spiritual health. He seeks to offer both grace and truth—believing that Christ embodied both and that His followers are called to do the same.
He also approaches individuals and families through a systems lens, recognizing that family dynamics shape us and that relationship patterns can be examined and changed to bring healing and growth.
Areas of Focus:
● Marital / Couples Therapy
● Family Therapy
● Premarital Counseling
● Anxiety & Stress Management
● Depression
● Grief & Loss
● Compulsions & Addictions
● Codependency
● Self-Esteem & Identity Issues
● Men’s Issues
● Parenting
● Faith & Spirituality