Dr Chuck Carrington, PhD.

My View of Life and Counseling

From brokenness, we are made stronger

My view of counseling, coaching, and supervision is based on two truths that I have found consistent in my life:

Everyone struggles to find their path in life, making mistakes at times, and growing in strength through adversity.
Our past mistakes can be the most powerful learning opportunities if we choose to apply the lessons of failure to grow and do better.

From brokenness, we are made stronger. With this in mind, I like to help my clients to find their own potential and inner strength to move forward. I use a variety of techniques and tools to help my clients find the way forward in life. I believe that a counselor should become the counselor that a client needs, rather than to try and force a client to become what the counselor wants. In this way, I can align with my client, show them maximum understanding and respect, and journey with them towards a healthier more effective life–Dr Chuck

My Specialties

Dr. Chuck completed his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Old Dominion University. In addition, he holds degrees in Counseling (M.A.), Human Services Counseling (M.A.), and Organizational Leadership & Management (B.S.) from Regent University, as well as Bible college/seminary degrees in Christian Counseling (B.A.) and Theology M.A.), and post-doctoral studies in Educational Technologies and Online Learning. Dr. Chuck has published on Non-death loss and a counselor’s ability to treat clients, and Internet Gaming Addiction. His research areas focus on Ambiguous Loss, Foster Parent Competency and Retention, The Culture of Abuse in Impoverished Families and Communities, The Treatment of Internet Porn Addiction, and Betrayal Trauma in Spouses of Porn Addicts, Stopping Elder Abuse.

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My Story and The Signs of the Times

Dr. Chuck is Senior Pastoral Counselor and Christian Counselor at Connect, specializing Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Couples and Relationship Enhancement Coaching, Strategic Parenting, and Co-parenting After Divorce.

Christian counseling has a long and noble history of helping believers and non-believers alike. This mission of helps is based on the values and principles of found in the Bible, and on our Judaeo-Christian heritage. This set of standards is the foundation of counseling.

In this unique time in our culture, with all of the extremist political affiliations and demands to affirm sin, psychological harm to clients has now been embraced by the mental health counseling field. In many ways, anti-Christian values are being forced into counseling to replace God’s plan. This presents a major challenge to serve God.

Dr. Chuck feels his call of God forces him to make a strategic decision to reject working as a mental health practitioner under state control required by state licensure, and rather works only as a Pastoral Counselor, Christian Life Coaching, Human Services Counselor. As an experienced ordained and licensed pastor in independent ministry, along with his extensive training in counseling and human services, Dr. Chuck constrains his ministry to educative coaching and faith-based counseling. This decision was made with much prayer, and has been validated by the advent of recent political activism, constraints, and bias that has entered the field of counseling over the last 10 years.

While this means he cannot take your insurance, he has agreed to substantially reduce his expectations for personal compensation allowing Connect to offer deep discounts to all clients who fit the faith-based and human services definitions. These discounts allow us to match most insurance out of pocket costs to the majority of clients who likewise refuse to submit to state controlled counseling.

Many of our clients pay what they can afford on a sliding scale basis if they are income limited, which helps keep access to Dr. Chuck’s services. The discounted rates and copay match programs also makes coaching and faith-based counseling purposefully affordable, to allow most anyone the opportunity to have superior counseling with minimal cost, while still allowing Connect to continue it’s mission of provinding connection and health to all who ask whenever possible.

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About Dr Chuck Carrington, PhD, EdS, MA

Dr Chuck Carrington is the founder of Connect Christian Family Counseling, and specializes in issues pertaining to relationships, self-development, overcoming behavioral addictions, and working through trauma, grief, and loss. Dr Chuck completed four postgraduate degrees including two Masters (M.A. & M.A.-HSC), an Educational Specialist (EdS), and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. If you want someone who has received extensive training in areas of relationships, family interactions, behavioral addictions, or deep personal loss, Dr Chuck is ready to help you.

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Education:

Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Old Dominion University
Ed.S. Educational Leadership/Online Learning and Technologies, Regent University
M.A. Community Counseling, Regent University
M.A. Human Services Counseling, Regent University
M.A. Theology, Cypress Bible College
B.S. Organizational Leadership and Management, Regent University
B.A. Christian Counseling, International Bible College & Seminary

Specialized Education & Training

Qualitative Research Cognate-Old Dominion University

Qualitative Research in Education. (FOUN 814) 2013. Research Project: Grounded Theory, Foster Care Attrition.
Advanced Qualitative Research (FOUN 815) 2014 Research Analysis: Content Analysis on Foster Parent Motivation
Special Topics: Independent Study in Qualitative Research (FOUN 897) 2014. Case Study: Human Development and Online Living Through Gaming
Case Study, Grounded Theory, and Phenomenological Research. (FOUN 864) 2015. Case Study: The Culture of Abuse in Poverty

Studies in Traumatology: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University

Treating Grief and Loss: Independent study. Regent University
International Practicum in Trauma: Regent University Trauma Team, overseas deployment to Leon, Nicaragua
National Incident Management System: FEMA Training
Psychological First Aid:. Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Treating Sexual Trauma: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Compassion Stress Management: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Treating Traumatized Families: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Disaster Stress & Trauma: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD): Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Grief & Loss in Trauma: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Treating Phobia and Anxiety with EMDR: Center for Trauma Studies, Regent University.
Experiential Workshop in Gestalt Therapy and Awareness. Experiential Workshop with Dr. Ben Keyes & Dr. George Jefferson, Regent University.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) – From Trauma to Addictions. Regent University, Human Services Counseling Workshop.,

University Teaching Experience

Old Dominion University: Graduate Courses Taught/Co-taught

Counseling & Psychotherapeutic Techniques (COUN 633). Master’s in Counseling. Masters in Counseling, Traditional format with Dr. Garrett McAuliffe
Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Techniques (COUN 634). Masters in Counseling. Instructor of Record
Diversity Issues in Human Services (HMSV 346 / COUN 655/ COUN 848). Combined Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral Study Abroad. Managing online content for Dr. Garrett McAuliffe
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling (COUN 655). Master’s in Counseling. Asynchronous Distance Learning Black Board Format with Dr. Garrett McAuliffe
Internship: Masters in Counseling (COUN668). Masters in Counseling Graduate Teaching Assistant for Dr. Suzan Thompson

Old Dominion University: Undergraduate Courses Taught

Interpersonal Skills in Human Services (HMSV 339). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Career Development and Appraisal (HMSV 344). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Human Services Methods (HMSV 343W). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Diversity Issues in Human Services (HMSV 346). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Program Development, Implementation, and Funding (HMSV 440W). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Non-Profit Fundraising in Human Services (HMSV 441). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Psycho-educational Groups (HMSV 444). Bachelors in Human Services, Instructor of Record
Family Guidance (HMSV 491). Bachelors in Human Service.

Invited Lecturer: Regent University

Understanding Loss in Your Clients: Invited Lecturer, Regent University, Residency for Masters of Human Services
Navigating Intervention Domains with Clients: Invited Lecturer, Regent University, Residency for Masters of Human Services
Coaching and Psychoeducational Groups: Career Opportunities for Human Services Professionals. Invited Lecturer, Regent University, Residency for Masters of Human Services
Strategic Parenting. Invited Lecturer, Regent University, Residency for Masters of Human Services

Other Teaching & Supervision Experience

Supervision of Master’s Students: Individual and triadic supervision of students in internship/practicum across seven semesters, as the University assigned individual supervisor, including mental health and school counseling students.
Supervision of Practicum and Intern Students: Provided on-site supervision and coaching of master’s level counseling students for local private counseling center in Virginia Beach as Director of Training.
University Training Group Facilitator: Facilitated seven 15-week T-groups (process focused training groups) including Bachelors (1 section), Master’s (5 sections), and Doctoral (1 section) level students in group or advanced group training.
Academic Adviser: Provided counseling, directions, and academic/career planning services to bachelor level students in Human Services
Assistant Coordinator of Clinical Services: Provided clinical coordination of Masters and Doctoral practicum and internship students, managed compliance documents, screened applications, supported the Clinical Coordinator in performance of her duties as required.

Professional Presentations & Invited Workshops:

International

Respect Positive Behavior and Self-esteem and its Biblical Base. Presented in cooperation with Regent University Center for Trauma Studies & Open Eyes Ministries, Leon, Nicaragua. (July, 2011)
Introduction to Trauma Group Training. Presented to Leon Police Department in cooperation with Regent University Center for Trauma Studies & Open Eyes Ministries, Leon, Nicaragua (July 2011)

National

Addicted to Internet Gaming: A Case study. (Carrington & Carlisle). American Counseling Association Convention, March 2015

State & Local

Human Growth and Development. Invited presentation for NCE, CPCE comprehensive examination preparation. Old Dominion University, March 2014
The Essence of Group Work. Invited presentation for NCE, CPCE comprehensive examination preparation. Old Dominion University, March 2017
Online Gaming Addiction and Child Identity Development. (Carrington & Carlisle). The Virginia School Counselors Association Conference, October 2015
Ambiguous Loss: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Unresolved Loss in Your Client. (Carrington & Bertolet). Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Graduate Student Conference, March 2015
The Social Experience of Internet Gamers. (Carlisle & Carrington). Virginia Counseling Association Conference, November, 2014
A Loss Like No Other. Invited presentation for Dr. Garrett McAuliffe, PhD. Old Dominion University. Masters in Counseling program
Toxic Parenting, Invited speaker for The Mediation Center of Norfolk symposium on with Old Dominion University, the Human Services Department at ODU, and the Hampton Roads Parenting Education Network: Toxic Parents: Are the courts hurting or helping the children? November, 2014
A Foster Child in the Classroom: Perspectives on Meeting Hidden Needs. The Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, March, 2014
A Foster Child in the Classroom: Perspectives on Meeting Hidden Needs. The Virginia School Counselors Association Conference, March, 2014
Professional Orientation and Ethics. Invited presentation for NCE, CPCE comprehensive examination preparation. Old Dominion University, March 2014
The Essence of Group Work. Invited presentation for NCE, CPCE comprehensive examination preparation. Old Dominion University, March 2014
Ambiguous Loss in Counselor Supervision. Presented at Old Dominion University to Doctoral students in Advanced Supervision, February, 2014
Cooperative Parenting in the Face of Divorce: Mental Health Professionals as Advocates in Mitigating the Trauma Inflicted Upon Children of Divorce. Virginia Counseling Association Conference, November, 2013
Coaching: A Emerging Profession. Presented at Old Dominion University to Doctoral students in Current Issues in Counseling
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in the Foster Care System: Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment. The Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, February 25, 2012
Essentials of Strategic Parenting. 2012 Workshop 8 Week Series. Family’s First Institute (April-May, 2012)
Generational Transmissions & Self-esteem. 2011 Workshop Series, Family’s First Institute (October-November, 2011).

Institutional Workshops Taught & Other Teaching Experience

Understanding & Treating Conflict in Relationships. Presented at Virginia Beach Coaching & Counseling to professionals, students, and the public. Virginia Beach, Virginia, October 2015.
Ambiguous Loss: Understanding the Behavior of Foster Children in the Classroom. Presented to Virginia Beach Public Schools. School Counselor Training workshop by paid invitation. Virginia Beach, Virginia July, 2014
Grief and Loss in Foster Children. Presented for Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, Chesapeake, Virginia, September, 2013
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Foster Care. Co-Presented for Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, July, 2013, Richmond, Virginia.
Strategic Parenting of Foster Children. Presented at Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, Chesapeake, VA, (July, 2013)
Managing Core Fears in Marriage Conflict Workshop. Workshop for Foundations Christian Counseling Services, Virginia Beach, Virginia, June, 2013
Offense Cycles and Behavioral Issues in Offending Teens. Presented at Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, Chesapeake, VA, (June, 2013)
Cycles of Attachment and Bonding. Presented at Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, Chesapeake, VA, (May, 2013)
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Foster Care. Presented at Braley & Thompson Child Placement Agency, Chesapeake, VA, (April, 2013)
Character in Leadership Workshop. Leadership Development Workshop presented for Renaissance Community Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia, (August, 2012)
Healthy Communication in Relationships. Foundations Christian Counseling, Virginia Beach, Virginia. (June, 2012)
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout for Child Care Professionals. Staff training workshop, Chesapeake Christian Academy, Chesapeake, Virginia, (June, 2012)
Compassion Fatigue in Foster Care: The Cost of Caring. Family Ties, Inc. Presented at Family Ties, Inc, Virginia Beach VA. (May 2011)
Communication in Marriage. Foundations Christian Counseling, Virginia Beach VA. (June, 2011)

Professional Experience

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University, Department of Counseling and Human Services.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Old Dominion University, Department of Counseling and Human Services.
Academic Advisor, Career and Academic Resource Center, Old Dominion University, Department of Counseling and Human Services
Assistant Coordinator of Clinical Services, Old Dominion University, Department of Counseling and Human Services;
Counselor in Residence, Foundations Christian Counseling Services. Private Counseling Practice, Resident in Counseling, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Pastoral Counselor on Staff, Renaissance Community Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Director of Training & Development, Covenant Partners, LLC.
Executive Director. Christian Family Outreach Ministries -Non-profit social service organization, foster care, case management, placements services, and treatment.
Therapeutic Foster Parent, specializing in difficult to place teens and teen offenders.

Research Interests:

Trauma, Grief and Loss Treatment in Betrayal Trauma and Marital Infidelity
Ambiguous Loss and Trauma Focused-CBT: Reaching the Core of Pain in Foster Children.
Deconstructing Paternalistic Leadership in Foster Family Care: A Feminist Approach to Foster Care. Carrington- manuscript under development.
Unlocking the Secrets of Mission in Foster Parent Retention. Carrington – a qualitative pilot study in grounded theory- manuscript under development.
The Effects of Poverty and Culture on Generational Child Abuse
Online-Living: The Impacts of Internet Addiction and Cyber Living on Children and Young Adults

Publications & Manuscripts

Carrington, C.P. (2016). A Counselor’s first encounter with non-death loss: A phenomenological case study on new counselor preparation and experience in working with non-death loss. (Dissertation). Norfolk, VA: Old Dominion University.
Carlisle, K. L., & Carrington, C. P. (2015). The Social Experience of Internet Gamers: In Ideas and research you can use: In Ideas and research you can use: VISTAS 2015.

Psychoeducational & Therapy Groups

Cooperative Parenting in the Face of Divorce: Psychoeducational Work Group for high-conflict parents in divorce, custody, or separation.
Strategic Parenting Skills: Psychoeducational Skills Group for parents whose children display behavioral problems.
Foster Parent Preparation Group: Psychoeducational Group for new or potential foster care providers.
Non-Resident Parents of Divorce: Grief & Loss Oriented Psychoeducational & Process Group for non-custodial parents.
Mindfulness in Depression: Relapse Prevention Psychoeducational Group for chronic sufferers of depression.
Grief and Loss in Foster Care: Psychoeducational Skills & Process Group for foster care professionals.
Overcoming Internet Pornography Addiction: Psycho-educational & Coaching group for men addicted to pornography and other forms of infidelity.

Scholastic Awards, Grants, Honors, & Activities:

Outstanding Doctoral Researcher Award, Chi Sigma Iota: Omega Delta Chapter, 2015
Outstanding Service-Internship Training, Families First Institute, 2015, 2016
Outstanding Graduate, Regent University: School of Psychology and Counseling, Department of Human Services, May 7, 2010
Research Grant, Virginia Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, (VACES): 2015 Student Development Research Award
Chi Sigma Iota, Omega Delta Chapter, 2014-2015 Awards Chair
Chi Sigma Iota, Omega Delta Chapter, Counseling Honorary. 2009-2017.

Certifications:

Certified Traumatologist, 2011 Green Cross
Field Traumatologist, 2010 Green Cross
Compassion Fatigue Therapist, 2010 Green Cross
Compassion Fatigue Educator, 2010 Green Cross

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