My name is Al Yokubonis.
I am a Master's-level Board Certified Pastoral Counselor (BCPC) through the American Association of Christian Counselors. I am not just a Christian who counsels, but I counsel from a Biblical worldview - meaning I utilize the Word of God coupled with daily practical tools and prayer that help you experience an inner transformational change leading to an outward behavioral change. My education, training and personal life experiences have equipped me to counsel in marriage and family issues and specialize in addiction, codependency and the negative impact those issues have on your marriage, family, work and life. I received my Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) from Luther Rice University & Seminary and my Bachelor of Arts from Winona State University. In addition to my education and training, my personal life and counseling experiences have given me the knowledge, understanding and empathy that have helped numerous others discover God’s healing power from the inner pain, hurts, wounds and trauma from their past.
My Hope
My own personal journey of addiction began as a teenager growing up in a dysfunctional home. This battle with addiction continued through my early business career, marriage, and starting a new family. It wasn’t until I received the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ that I found the courage to face my addiction and allow God to do what only God can do. As I discovered my freedom from addiction in Christ, my passion was to share this good news with others struggling with similar life controlling issues. I have been married to my beautiful and faithful wife Suzanne for over 40 years. We have four children: two biological and two adopted from Haiti, as well as three grandchildren. I have held numerous positions in church leadership and director-level staff positions with Christ-centered rescue missions and outreach ministries.
My Approach
I can help you find your true identity in Christ, how to live the exchanged Christian life and find the steps to freedom from the hurts, habits and hangups that have impacted us all. My counseling experiences involve those from all walks of life, denominations and faiths, from the homeless addict under a bridge, or at a rescue mission, to the neighbor across the street. Working with the homeless, I have seen and heard it all. There is nothing in your life that will shock me and you will never feel judged or condemned. My office will be an emotionally safe place.The freedom and abundant life you are looking for is found in Jesus Christ. My objective is to guide and counsel you to the inner life transformation you desire. If you are seeking marriage or couples counseling, I have the personal experience and training to guide you to a healthy and meaningful relationship. If your relationship has been rocked by sin, pornography, sex or other addictions, infidelity and unfaithfulness, I will always be objective and hopeful in my approach. We will recognize that each spouse will play a role in the restoration of the relationship and believe God has the power to redeem and make new even the most dire situations.
Education
- MA - Biblical Counseling - Luther Rice Seminary & University
- BA - Business Administration - Winona State University
- Professional Membership
- Board Certified Pastoral Counselor (BCPC)
- American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
