Mark Gregory Karris, the author of Divine Echoes, is a husband, licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained pastor, theologian, writer, recording artist, Red Cross volunteer and worship leader. He’s a voracious reader, researcher and all around biophilic.
He has received a Masters in Counseling through the Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in Nyack, N.Y., a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in N.J., and currently working through his PsyD from Alliant International University in San Diego.
Mark currently lives in San Diego. He is a therapist and facilitates workshops on topics such as attachment theory, shame, self-compassion, relationships, trauma, and others. Mark is an adjunct professor at Alliant International University. Mark also serves churches as a speaker, worship leader, and church consultant.
Mark’s book, entitled Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brian, and Soul, has recently been published by Kregel Publications (2017). You can check it out here: Season of Heartbreak
Mark’s pioneering research article on trauma and couple’s therapy has been published in a peer-reviewed journal [Karris, M., Caldwell, B. (2015) Integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy, Self-Compassion & Compassion-Focused Therapy to Assist Shame-Prone Couples who have Experienced Trauma, The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families]. You can check it out here: Research Article
Mark has an essay entitled, “Rethinking the Phrase “God Allowed,”” which is included in a recent book entitled Uncontrolling Love: Exploring the Uncontrolling Love of God (SacraSage Press, 2017). You can check it out here: Uncontrolling Love
I have been serving and ministering in various communities for over 20 years. I have a diverse and eclectic background that has not only changed and enriched my life but also gives me the ability to view the faith experience from many different vantage points and practice from many different perspectives. I have been involved with and served within many different denominations such as Christian & Missionary Alliance, Methodist, Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, including working in a Korean Presbyterian Church for four years. I have been taught and trained by extraordinary therapists, psychologists, pastors, spiritual leaders and theologians.
“People who intentionally set aside time to prayerfully listen and conspire with God, humbly opening themselves up to receive God’s wavelengths of love, and creatively and subversively reverberate them out to the world around them.”