From Voyage Phoenix: Meet John Lynch of Redeem Counseling
Today we’d like to introduce you to John Lynch...
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Phoenix and lived in Chicago for 7 years, during which I married my wife, completed seminary, and spent 5 years in youth and pastoral ministry. I’ve always been drawn to helping professions, and after moving back to Phoenix in 2007, I completed a master’s degree in clinical social work and began working in mental health. I spent my first few years in crisis services and with groups in psychiatric hospitals and county jails. Then, in 2013. I transitioned to private practice and joined the amazing team at Journeys Counseling Center in Tempe, gaining experience and developing my areas of specialization. Two years ago, I started Redeem Counseling in Downtown Phoenix, providing in-person & telehealth counseling services in Arizona and Oregon. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, couples, men’s issues, and spirituality/ministry challenges. My wife and I have been married for 20 years and have two daughters, ages 9 and 14. My wife works as a graphic artist, digital communications manager, and special project manager at the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I spent the first few years of my career in acute care. The experience allowed me to work with diverse client demographics providing various levels of care. As an empathy-focused clinician, however, it was difficult not to absorb the emotional intensity of so many people in their most difficult moments. In contrast, I’m energized by working with clients throughout their fuller process of healing and growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of Redeem Counseling. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Redeem Counseling is the business entity through which I provide psychotherapy services in Arizona and Oregon. I’m a licensed therapist with master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work (MSW) and Divinity (MDiv). For the past 15 years, I’ve provided clinical counseling services to clients working through various challenges, including marriage and family concerns, grief and loss, acute and complex trauma, anxiety & stress, anger & addiction, spirituality & ministry struggles, and more.
I specialize in couples, trauma & anxiety, men’s issues, spirituality & ministry challenges. My therapeutic style is attachment-oriented & client-centered, with a holistic approach to wellness. My modalities include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, & more. I also serve as a Board-approved clinical supervisor for associate-licensed therapists. The practice is based on the idea that “No matter what we’ve been through, our minds and hearts – like our bodies – are built to heal and grow. Especially in the context of supportive relationships. That’s why I created Redeem Counseling – to help people experience their potential & reclaim the beauty of their life’s design.” I’m licensed in Arizona and Oregon and work from the Redeem Counseling office on Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix. I primarily work with adults but anticipate hiring additional clinicians to see children and adolescents later this year.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Life is all about connection.
Health is holistic – physical, mental/emotional, relational, and spiritual. It all matters.
We’re all born with the same 3 core emotional-relational needs: attentiveness, affection, & ability.
Feelings exist to:
Tell us how satisfied our needs are &
Motivate us to find satisfaction. So every feeling, physical or emotional, points to a need.
Secure relationships are built on mutual vulnerability and empathy.
The more my kids groan and roll their eyes, the funnier I know I am.
I married way above my league and so much more.
Original interview appeared at Voyage Phoenix and can be found by following this link: https://bit.ly/3qXIHpj
