Amanda Wood Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Director of Counseling Services
Jonathan Wood
Dog Behavior Work
Animal Assisted Therapy Training
Amanda holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Amanda is an avid equestrian and the owner of several horses including miniature horses Maverick & Jazzy. Amanda competes locally and nationally in the discipline of Hunter/Jumpers on her horse Rolloway.
Jonathan is an executive and holds a Bachelors of Communication from San Diego State University. He has had experience in the management of not for profit's and has held the position of President of his industry's trade association. Jonathan and the therapy dogs are graduates of Extreme K-9 Psychology Institute in Marion, Il. Jonathan is a registered hospice care volunteer, an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Trainer, and, the dogs are registered with the AKC as Canine Good Citizens.
Dear Friends,
Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Christ by providing hope and comfort to a hurting world. We believe that God loves all his creation and that we have all been given unique gifts and talents. Our calling is to help individuals move beyond the afflictions of the world and unleash their full potential for the Glory of God.
We look forward to meeting you!
Jonathan & Amanda
About Us
After working at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, CA as the Director of the Counseling Ministry for 12 years, Amanda sensed a tugging at her heart. She was being led to expand her ministry and to collaborate with her husband, Jonathan, in his growing ministry.
Over the past two decades, Amanda has provided and overseen counseling in a multitude of settings. As her husband became more involved in using dogs in his volunteer work with Alzheimer's and hospice patients, it became clear to her that together, using their gifts, they could create a unique ministry. One that serves the community with both traditional clinical psychology practice and the introduction of dogs (and horses) to patients in a variety of situations.
But beyond treating those in need, both Amanda and Jonathan felt a strong calling to serve those who have a desire to be of service to others. For years, Amanda has been providing clinical supervision to interns seeking professional licensure. With the addition of Jonathan's training in dog psychology, they are now able to help launch individuals who have a desire to use their dog to comfort those in need. Helping people to become confident with their personal dog - confident enough to step out into their community and serve - is one of our goals.
At Trinity Counseling Ministries, Amanda oversee's the professional counseling services at our office in Mission Viejo while Jonathan trains individuals and communities in developing a service model using dogs to assist in providing comfort to ailing and suffering individuals.