i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to thank each of the members of my dissertation committee for their hard work and dedication to seeing me through to the end. First and foremost to my chair, Dr. Gary Sibcy, I am forever grateful for your time, energy, and investment throughout my entire doctoral program. You have challenged me to be professionally competent, academically excellent, personally tenacious, and to settle for nothing less than high quality work. The same goes for Dr. Fred Milacci; thank you for modeling a life of personal and professional excellence and balance and sharing it with me. We have been through some ups and downs together and you have always been there to speak truth in love. The dissertation was no exception. I am also grateful for the support of Dr. Scott Hawkins. Your persistence on staying focused was a huge encouragement through the entire dissertation. To Dr. Kevin Corsini, thanks for blazing the trail and supporting me along the way. Your defense became one of my biggest motivators to finish. I also want to thank all those who have personally supported me throughout my entire dissertation. To Dr. Tim Clinton, your friendship, mentorship, and commitment to me through the years are priceless. No words can describe how eternally grateful I am for the opportunities you have and continue to afford me. Thank you for all your help throughout the dissertation process. Christian counseling would not have near the influence it has if it were not for you. To the counseling professors at Liberty University who have placed a stamp on my life either academically and/or personally along the way