Transform Your Life with Expert Spiritual Guidance
Christian Counseling Leader
Meet Dr. Stephen J. Boyd, Ph.D., D.Min.
Dr. Stephen J. Boyd brings over 35 years of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families toward personal and spiritual growth. His approach combines clinical expertise, spiritual mentorship, and compassionate guidance to help clients achieve lasting transformation:
Licensure & Credentials
Dr. Boyd holds LPCC-S licensure in Ohio as a Supervising Clinical Counselor and has earned board certifications that demonstrate his breadth of expertise. These include AAMFT Clinical Fellow for marriage and family therapy, FAAPC Fellow for pastoral counseling, DAPA Diplomate in psychotherapy, and DAAFE Diplomate for forensic examination. His credentials reflect decades of rigorous training and commitment to professional excellence.
Professional Accomplishments
As founder of GrowthSpirit Counseling Centers, Dr. Boyd has developed innovative tools and programs to advance spiritual and personal growth. He created an exclusive Spiritual Intelligence assessment to measure faith development, designed brief-focused course content for listening, rational thinking, and team-building seminars, and developed an assessment process that accelerates individual growth. His work has impacted countless clients, organizations, and communities.
Academic Contributions
Dr. Boyd serves as an adjunct professor and lecturer at multiple institutions, including Union Institute & University, Miami University of Ohio, and Athenaeum of Ohio. Over the years, he has guided students and seminarians through formational growth counseling, clinical training, and spiritual direction. He also develops and delivers seminars on maintaining balance and avoiding burnout, as well as workshops on spiritual intelligence for professional audiences.
Personal Background
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Dr. Boyd has been married for 32 years and has an adult son. He enjoys life with his two cats and integrates his personal experiences into his professional practice. His philosophy emphasizes discovering natural talents, aligning with one’s life plan, and achieving peace and fulfillment. He brings warmth, mentorship, and practical guidance to every client and student he works with.
Dr. Boyd’s extensive clinical expertise, spiritual mentorship, educational contributions, and innovative approaches combine to help clients and students experience profound clarity, personal growth, and meaningful transformation.
for Future Clinicians
GrowthSpirit Counseling Internship Opportunities
GrowthSpirit Counseling Institute provides a learning environment for future clinicians. Contact Dr. Stephen J. Boyd for supervision or internship opportunities tailored to growth.
Amy Kelm
Counseling Intern
Amy serves students at Miami University in our Oxford and Cincinnati offices. She holds a music degree with a psychology minor and is pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University.
Kayla Allen
Psychology Intern
Kayla completed her psychology internship in summer 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a cognate in Christian Counseling from Liberty University, gaining experience in academic and practical counseling settings.
Mary Study
Psychology Intern
Mary was a psychology intern in summer 2014. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Public Health at Indiana State University while gaining clinical counseling experience.
Tim Reid, MA
Psychology Intern
Tim completed his Master’s degree at Liberty University and interned at GrowthSpirit from 2013–2014 in Oxford. He served Miami University students and now supports missionary work in Africa and Spain.
Formation Mentorship Program
Seminarians & Ministers Training Overview
Over the last 20 years, Dr. Boyd has guided seminarians at Mt. Saint Mary Seminary and ministers at Payne Theological Seminary through formational growth counseling, pastoral counseling, internships, and ongoing supervision. GrowthSpirit also serves as a training site for students of counseling, psychology, and family therapy, providing comprehensive mentorship to prepare the next generation of clinicians and spiritual leaders.
Advanced Clergy Mentorship
Internship & Formation Opportunities Overview
GrowthSpirit Counseling Centers has hosted interns from University of Toledo, University of Cincinnati, Payne Theological Seminary, Union Institute and University, Athenaeum of Ohio, Liberty University, and Indiana State University. Under Dr. Boyd’s supervision, students and ministers complete clinical training, spiritual direction, and practical counseling experience, building skills to excel in personal, professional, and ministry-focused settings.
Advanced Clinical Counseling Mentors
Post Doctoral Trainees at GrowthSpirit
Our post-doctoral trainees gain hands-on supervision and mentorship while advancing their licensure and clinical expertise. Each trainee brings unique skills in counseling, social work, and family therapy.
Elaine Willerton, Ph.D, IMFT
Post Doctoral Trainee – Marriage & Family Therapy
Elaine earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University in Marriage and Family Therapy. She completed her supervision hours for independent licensure in Ohio at GrowthSpirit from 2013–2014, gaining practical experience in clinical counseling.
Rebecca Donovan, Ph.D, LSW
Post Doctoral Trainee – Social Work & Psychotherapy
Rebecca focuses on social work, psychotherapy, and family support while completing her independent licensure in clinical social work. Her work integrates evidence-based practices and compassionate care for diverse clients.
Jackie Smith, EdD
Post Doctoral Trainee – Clinical Counseling & Educator
Jackie completed her doctorate at the University of Cincinnati and teaches counseling at Northern Kentucky University. She trained under supervision in Ohio, serving clients clinically while also leading professional associations.
Join Our Growth Journey
Connect with GrowthSpirit Counseling Centers
At GrowthSpirit Counseling Centers, our team is committed to guiding you through personal, spiritual, and professional growth with compassion and expertise. Whether you are seeking counseling, coaching, or mentorship, we provide individualized support tailored to your journey. Discover how our experienced staff and proven methods can help you achieve meaningful transformation, clarity, and renewed purpose in all aspects of your life.
