Our professional counseling staff

Staff

Marian Andrews

Jenna Elliott

Craig Torell, M.A., M.Div., LAPC

Executive Director

Adults • Couples • Families • Christian Spiritual Direction
770-218-9005 x101 • ctorell@fountaingate.com

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Connecticut.

M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy with Specialization in Spirituality and Counseling, Richmont Graduate University.

M.Div. (Master of Divinity), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

License

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in the State of Georgia

Certification

Prepare/Enrich (Pre-Marital and Marriage Counseling)

Professional Membership

American Counseling Association (ACA)

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Previous Experience

Counseling Intern. The Center at Mount Paran North Church of God, Marietta, Georgia.

Counseling Intern. Hope Counseling Center at West Ridge, Dallas, Georgia.

Counseling Intern. Hope Counseling Center at West Cobb, Marietta, Georgia.

Associate Pastor and Church Administrator. Church-related experiences include preaching, teaching, worship leading, middle and high school ministry, small group leadership, mission trip leadership, campus ministry, house leadership, retreats, event planning, radio hosting, oversight of staff and volunteers, and management of a building program.

17 years of full- and part-time experience in computer hardware and software development, working for small, medium, and Fortune-500 firms in areas such as factory automation (robotics), control systems, graphics, databases, communications, inventory control, and hand-held devices.

Special Interests

Anxiety and Depression

Men's issues (roles, identity, sexuality)

Life and career transitions and development

Pre-marital counseling

Marriage enrichment

Couples in crisis

Aging and elder care

Pastoral leadership and theological issues

Spiritual/church abuse

Christian Spiritual Direction - providing spiritual companionship

Personal

Craig was raised in an affluent home but felt the need to break out of his "comfort zone," hitchhiking across the country in 1974 at the age of 19. During the trip he decided to commit himself to following the way of Christ, and he has been growing in faith ever since. He married Deb in 1979 and enjoys watching his three adult children develop and serve in their callings. Craig survived a near-fatal heart infection in 1992 and works out daily to keep in shape. He is also keenly aware of issues related to aging, having watched both of his parents succumb to Alzheimer's Disease. Craig hopes to develop his digital photography skills some day but his favorite pastime is watching and discussing films, both modern and classic.

Vision

Craig desires to provide a safe environment where people can be heard, validated, and encouraged. His goal is to collaborate with clients to identify areas where they desire growth and change, respecting their individuality and working with them to discover their personal path to healing and wholeness. Craig believes that every person is made in the image of God and is uniquely called and gifted by Him. According to the desires of his clients, Craig is available to explore the Word of God with them to apply it to the heart of their life situations.