Become a Part of the People, Purpose, and Mission of the IAACP
History and Purpose of IACCP
The history of IACCP begins in conversations between Dr. Gene Thompson, Dr. Doug Jarrard, Dr. Jason Guerrero (all three have gone home to be with the Lord) and Dr Stan DeKoven regarding the need to establish a professional certifying association of Christian Counseling professionals, that espoused the values of biblical faith with counseling service.
We are one of several associations that have developed to uphold Biblical standards in professional practice, stiving to serve as a faithful witness and a source of light and guidance in the world, while providing an alternative or supplement to state licensure. The IACCP is a growing organization with a rich history of supporting Christian professionals in counseling, chaplaincy, and coaching. It emphasizes viewing counseling, chaplaincy, and coaching as ministry first, with professional clinical practice, while important, considered a secondary focus.
OBJECTIVES OF IACCP
- Build community and identity among Christian counselors and chaplains in diverse, multidisciplinary settings.
- Encourage research and publications to enhance spiritual and emotional care.
- Provide resources on current issues in mental health and Christian counseling.
- Integrate Christian principles with evidence-based practices for holistic care.
- Support training, certification, and professional development for counselors and chaplains.
- Collaborate with organizations to advance Christian counseling and chaplaincy standards.
Association Leadership
Dr. Delores Horsman, D.Min, Director Emeritus of IACCP and Certified Clinical Christian Counselor, private practice in El Cajon California specializing in abuse cases and domestic violence.
Dr. Stan DeKoven, PhD, DLitt, M.F.T., is the Founder and President of Vision International Education Services, Inc, and is President of Vision International University. Dr. Stan has served as a pastor, has authored over 35 books on a variety of subjects, is an international conference speaker, a respected and dynamic teacher of the Word, and a leader of leaders. Dr. DeKoven is a state-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
Rev. Andria Sigler-Smalz, Certified Clinical Pastoral Counselor, founder and Director of Journey Ministries in Southern California. She specializes is personal transformation and sexual addiction.
Dr. John and Dr. Iris Delgado, Hispanic Directors of IACCP, certified Christian Counselors in Dallas Texas.
Dr. Tal and Dr. Dee Klaus – Dr.’s Tal and Dee Klaus are Directors of Vision International Extension Institute. Dr. Tal is an associate pastor, teacher of the Word, and has ministered in prisons for 15 years along with Dr. Dee. Both are excellent counselors.
Dr. Cathy Guerrero co-founder and Pastor of Regency Christian Center International. Guerrero (honorary doctorate in Christian Coaching from Vision International University) is a gifted counselor, specializes in Christian Family counseling.
Dr. Joshua Reichard, DPhil, PhD, EdS, MBA, CCS, is a Clinical Sociologist and Theological/Religious Educator. He serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement for Vision International Education Network and served with his wife Sara as a missionary in El Salvador, Central America. Dr. Reichard specializes in sociological issues related to pastoral care.
Dr. Sara M. Reichard, EdD, MSN, M.Litt., RN, CNE, is a Registered Nurse and a Family Life Educator. Dr. Reichard has served as a medical missionary with her husband, Dr. Joshua Reichard, in El Salvador, Central America. Dr. Reichard has served in women’s shelters and inner-city ministry.
Dr. David Rodriguez, after entering full time ministry became a pastor, radio broadcaster, founder of Koinonia Bible College and President of The Therapon Institute. In 2002, he purchased property in Louisiana and brought all these ministries under one roof.
Dr. Ian Howarth, D.Min, LPC, CADC II, is the director of IACCP, he has experience in professional counseling, military chaplaincy, and addiction recovery. He has developed and led church-based addiction counseling certification programs and teaching initiatives to support professional growth and spiritual formation for counselors, chaplains integrating biblical principles with practical clinical knowledge.