The Counseling Ministry of First Baptist Church is dedicated to glorifying God through helping people who are struggling with life issues, experiencing marital or family breakdown, or searching for spiritual and emotional healing.

It is not uncommon to come to a point in your life where things appear unmanageable. With the fast pace of society we are pushed to the limits. Many couples are hurting. Parents are discouraged. Children are confused. Most people desire to build strong marriages and families, but sometimes, even after much work, problems go unresolved. It is at this point that many people seek the help of a counselor.

Counseling works by helping you look objectively at behaviors, feelings and thoughts in situations which you find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways in dealing with those situations.

As you seek to build a godly life, Christian counseling can be an important tool to help you gain an unbiased, biblical perspective. Our desire is to encourage great growth in your personal life and relationships.

Our Counselors

Jason Poland
Director of Counseling Service

Jason received a bachelors degree in Psychology from Taylor University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has been in the mental health field since 1990 including six years at a non-profit Christian Counseling Center and 5 years in private practice. Jason specializes in marriage and family issues, along with anger management, depression, anxiety, communication and blended family issues.

Carol DiDominicis
Staff Counselor

Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been serving clients in the mental health/social service field for over 15 years. Carol enjoys working with both adults and children and is committed to supporting clients in their journey toward emotional and spiritual health and healing. Her areas of expertise included: sexual abuse, trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, stress-management, grief recovery, career fulfillment, adoption, foster care, divorce and educational advocacy.

Paula Haun
Staff Counselor

Paula is a liscensed clinical professional counselor who recieved her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and her master’s degree from Trinity International University. Paula brings extensive experience helping individuals, couples, and groups pursue healthy relationships, personal growth, and emotional wholeness. She has a passion around the areas of addictions, life struggles, and bringing healing from past hurts. Paula is trained in the Prepare/Enrich premarital and marital program.

Elizabeth Long
Staff Counselor

Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Wheaton College. Elizabeth is a licensed professional counselor who has had the privilege of serving individuals, couples, and groups as they pursue relational, emotional, and spiritual health in a lay capacity at her home church. She has walked with others through numerous lifespan transitions ranging from personal identity and direction to end of life issues. Elizabeth has a special interest in assisting others with grief and loss, recovery from past wounds, and navigating through times of stress and loneliness. She has a passion for providing soul care during seasons of pain and growth.