Dr. Mark A. Saunders Sr., PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Marriage & Family Therapist | Couples Counseling Specialist

Professional Background

Dr. Mark A. Saunders Sr. is a marriage and family therapist, counselor educator, and couples therapy specialist with decades of experience helping individuals and couples restore connection, resolve conflict, and rebuild intimacy in their relationships. He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and currently teaches Human Sexuality in the School of Psychology and Counseling at John Carroll University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Saunders has worked with couples from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Latino, Caucasian, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean communities. As a result, he brings a culturally responsive and inclusive perspective to counseling. His work focuses on helping couples navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and rediscover the emotional and relational intimacy that can become strained through life’s challenges.

Approach to Couples Counseling

Working with couples in conflict or crisis is central to Dr. Saunders’ clinical practice. He approaches therapy in a way that supports and affirms both the relationship and each individual within it. In particular, his counseling model emphasizes restoration, open communication, and renewed emotional connection.

Through this process, couples learn practical skills that help them rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and restore intimacy. Ultimately, the goal of therapy is not only to resolve current conflict but also to equip couples with tools that support long-term relational health and stability.

International Experience

In addition to his clinical work in the United States, Dr. Saunders has extensive international experience. He spent 15 years living and working in Venezuela, where he supported families and couples navigating crisis situations. This experience broadened his understanding of cultural and relational dynamics and strengthened his ability to work effectively with individuals and couples from diverse life experiences.

Consequently, his global work continues to influence his counseling approach today, allowing him to bring cultural awareness and sensitivity into the therapeutic process.

Wellspring of Hope Intensives

Together with his wife, Dr. Linda P. Saunders, he co-founded Wellspring of Hope Intensives, a marriage-intensive counseling center located on 100 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This private retreat setting provides couples with an immersive therapeutic experience designed to restore relationships, resolve deep conflict, and renew intimacy.

Couples from across the United States and around the world travel to this retreat setting to participate in intensive counseling experiences focused on healing and restoration.

Integrating Faith and Evidence-Based Counseling

Another distinctive aspect of Dr. Saunders’ work is his ability to integrate Christian counseling with evidence-based therapeutic practices. In other words, clients are able to engage their faith while also benefiting from research-supported counseling methods.

His clinical approach incorporates a conflict resolution and restoration model of couples therapy combined with Hope-Focused Therapy. Together, these approaches guide couples toward meaningful relational change, improved communication, and deeper emotional connection.

Compassionate Guidance Through Life’s Challenges

Dr. Saunders believes that every individual and every relationship encounters seasons of struggle. During those times, having a skilled counselor who understands both the emotional and relational dynamics involved can make a meaningful difference.

For this reason, he walks compassionately alongside couples and individuals as they navigate challenges. At the same time, he helps clients develop practical skills that foster resilience, renewed hope, and lasting healing.

Professional Leadership and Global Engagement

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Saunders actively contributes to the counseling profession through leadership and service. He participates in multiple professional counseling organizations and currently serves on the Board of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. In addition, he serves on the Governing Council of the American Counseling Association.

Furthermore, Dr. Saunders continues to engage in international program development and marriage counseling initiatives in regions such as India, Vietnam, and South America. Through these efforts, he helps expand access to relationship counseling and professional training around the world.

Commitment to Healing and Hope

Through his work as a therapist, educator, and international counselor, Dr. Saunders remains deeply committed to helping individuals and couples experience restoration, renewed connection, and lasting hope.