James Sells

James Sells, Ph.D., serves as the Hughes Endowed Chair of Christian Thought in Mental Health Practice and Professor in the Counseling Department at Regent University's School of Psychology & Counseling. A licensed psychologist, he integrates Christian theological perspectives with evidence-based mental health practice, focusing on reconciliation processes within interpersonal and cultural contexts.

Education:

• B.A. in Social Science and Secondary Education, Biola University
• M.A. in Educational Ministries, Wheaton College
• M.S.Ed. in Counseling, Northern Illinois University
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Southern California

Research Focus: Dr. Sells' work centers on marital and family therapy, professional identity formation, and cross-cultural applications of forgiveness. His signature Relational Conflict Restoration Model addresses conflicts through grace-justice frameworks, while recent scholarship examines virtue-based marital curricula and spiritual competencies in therapy. International collaborations in Ukraine and China demonstrate his commitment to global mental health applications.

Publication Trends: His 2020-2025 work reveals intensified focus on church-counselor partnerships for mental health crises, cross-cultural resilience (particularly in Ukrainian contexts), and religious identity integration within counseling ethics. Articles consistently bridge Christian thought with clinical practice across diverse populations.

Awards:

• Regent University Excellence in Service Award (2015) for innovation in service to the School of Psychology & Counseling

Professional Engagement: With continuous membership in the American Counseling Association since 1988, Dr. Sells actively contributes to divisions focused on counselor education, marriage/family therapy, and spiritual values integration. His career trajectory spans public/Christian education systems, community mental health, private practice, and academic leadership, reflecting deep commitment to reconciling psychological science with faith traditions.