Meet the Founders

Dr. William Clark

Bill & Debbie Clark

Dr. William (Bill) Clark is a gifted and effective psychotherapist with a passion for healing and growth. His extensive training in Clinical Psychology, coupled with his studies in Biblical Counseling and Theology set the foundation of Bill’s theory of counseling. He uses these ideas currently in his psychotherapy practice, and as a genesis to serving as the co-founder and President of the Lay Counselor Institute (LCI).

Bill’s academic and yet modest teaching style has benefitted thousands of listeners over the past 30 years via Young Life, serving as an adjunct faculty member at several seminaries and counseling programs, and for the last two decades–as the leader for all of LCI’s training programs.

Bill has been happily married to his sweetheart, Debbie, for over 30 years and they have two grown sons, Adam and Alex.

Education & Experience

  • Educational Background
  • Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Maryland, 1992
  • MA Biblical Counseling, Grace Seminary, 1984
  • MA Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1985
  • BA Elementary Education, William and Mary, 1974

Teaching Experience

  • Teacher and Counselor Supervisor, The Lay Counselor Institute
  • Adjunct Professor, Philadelphia Biblical University
  • Adjunct Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary
  • Divisional Training Coordinator, Young Life, 1985-87

Barbara Giuliano

Barbara Giuliano

Barbara Giuliano is the first lay counselor and the co-founder of LCI. She began her ministry in counseling with the encouragement of Dan Allender while living in Florida. Barbara and her family moved to the northern Virginia area and she began working with Dr. Bill Clark at Reston Presbyterian Church. She led Precept Upon Precept Bible studies, developed a weekend retreat with three other women and has had a focus on Spiritual Direction. She served on the board of Mars Hill Graduate School (now The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology). Barbara and her husband, Lou are the parents of two grown daughters and grandparents of six grandchildren. She counsels at and attends Reston Bible Church in Dulles, VA.

For more than 30 years, Barbara has met with individuals, couples and groups. They shared stories and talked about life. Discerning wounds, struggles and pain similar to her own, allowed her to see God at work. She experienced freedom, peace, comfort and compassion. She felt as if God whispered, “Share this!” Hence, her ministry of lay counseling and teaching others to be lay counselors.