About Janet
My heart’s passion is to help people grow both into wholeness and holiness through the integration of faith and psychology. I marvel at the work of God’s grace in my life and how He has brought me to this point of joy and love, and my hope is that you also are able to see how His incredible grace is pursuing, loving, and transforming you.
To fully lean into this calling, I currently serve as Professor of Pastoral Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, as well as an associate pastor at New Start Worldview Church of the Nazarene, an online church community based in Brisbane, Australia. I am a licensed psychologist (healthcare provider) in Kentucky, with the authority to practice telepsychology in 42 states, and an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.
The majority of my work focuses on mental health and faith, sexual/gender identity and faith, trauma-informed ministry, and clergy self-care, but I often find myself stepping into other related areas as opportunities arise.
My training began at the University of Akron (Ohio) as an undergraduate, then continued at Asbury Theological Seminary where I earned a Master’s of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Divinity. The last leg of my educational journey happened at The Ohio State University where I earned both another master’s degree and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I worked in numerous clinical settings over the years and served as professor of psychology at Asbury University (Kentucky) for 18 years.
About Janet’s Community
This ministry journey has led me to work in a number of areas and with many incredible people. For nearly two decades, I have partnered with Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Steve Stratton through the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute at Wheaton College (Illinois) in exploring sexual and gender identity in Christian college students. We’ve expanded that work to help the Church minister intentionally to these individuals in Holy Love.
More recently, working together with Rev. John Comstock (CLT Coordinator/Discipleship Place, Church of the Nazarene), we have been creating resources for churches to address mental health. Related to that, John and I, together with Rev. Roland Hearn (Australia N W District, Church of the Nazarene), have been helping people navigate identity issues through a shame and honor paradigm grounded in a deep understanding of Grace and sanctification.
Personally, my wonderfully supportive husband, Rev. Kevin Dean, a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, and I have two adult sons, Jonathan and Rowan. My family and my friends are evidence of God’s continued grace in my life.
“Ministry” happens in a variety of ways.
Professional Psychology
Licensed Psychologist
Sometimes my colleagues and I are working in academic circles, including presentations at professional conferences and articles in scientific journals, as we try to help the mental health community better understand the role of faith in people’s lives.
Consultation & Training
Ordained Elder
Psychotherapy & Pastoral Counseling
Licensed Psychologist
Some of this ministry happens in a more private way through psychotherapy, pastoral counseling, and mentoring with individuals. I am authorized to provide telepsychology through all states belonging to PsyPact.
“Local” Church Ministry
Ordained Elder
Traditional ministry happens as I serve as on the pastoral staff NewStart Worldview, an internationally-reaching online community of faith, with the aim of rediscovering the power of transformational Love.
We believe God’s love transforms us at the very core of our being and joy becomes the lived experience of that work of love in our hearts and minds.
Business
Grace Psychological & Pastoral Counseling Services, LLC
Rev. Dr. Janet B. Dean, Owner
English