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Grimm Hall Lawn at Concordia University Irvine

Learn Counseling and Leadership Skills From World-Class Christian Practitioners

Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs.

About the Townsend Institute for Counseling and Leadership

The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees, a bachelor's degree, and professional certificates in three content areas: Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling. Masterful psychologist and relationship expert Dr. John Townsend founded the Institute to address both the head and the heart, incorporating scriptural truths with current neuroscience. Discover how the Institute’s approach goes deeper than behavioral change and moves us to growth.

Dr. John Townsend Dr. Townsend and students in front of Grimm Hall

About our founder

Dr. John Townsend is a New York Times bestselling author, leadership consultant, psychologist, and relationship expert. He has written 35 books, selling 10 million copies, including the bestselling Boundaries series. His depth of experience and research result in practical counsel that has been sought-after by scores of listeners through his live broadcasts. Built from the foundation of his teachings, Dr. Townsend established the Townsend Institute in 2015 and still plays an active role with leading the way we learn about counseling and leadership.

Female student on her computer

Join us LIVE!

Experience a new kind of relational education. Join us online LIVE and hear from our faculty, academic advisors, current students, and alumni about their experience in the Townsend Institute.

  • Ask Dr. John Townsend your questions about the Institute and our offerings
  • Learn how our coaching, consulting and leadership programs can advance your career
  • Connect with other prospective students exploring our programs
  • Become eligible for scholarships and other prizes by participating in our info session



Kaylie Housewright Kaylie Housewright and her family
This program not only gets into your mind, it gets into your heart. I feel like the Townsend Institute is behind me in my endeavor to supply restorative support to others.

Kaylie Housewright

Jon Acuff - Bestselling Author
Sue Johnson, Ph.D. - Therapist, Research Professor
Anthony Flynn - CEO, WorkFaith Connection
Henry Cloud, Ph.D. - Bestselling Author
Anita Phillips, LCSW, Ph.D.
Patrick Lencioni - President, The TableGroup

About our Fellows

When you make a choice to invest in your future by continuing your education, you want to be sure your time is well spent. That’s where the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers a distinct advantage. In addition to top-tier faculty, Dr. Townsend has assembled a world-class team of influencers, author-teachers and practitioners with broad platforms who are widely recognized. Enrolled students will connect to these top thinkers and practitioners in the monthly virtual symposia.

Concordia campus from French Hill

About Concordia University Irvine

The Townsend Institute is housed within Concordia University Irvine, a private, Lutheran university. Located in Southern California, Concordia serves over 5,000 students annually, on campus and online. Centered by a Christian worldview, and guided by the Great Commission, Concordia is home to a thoughtful and caring community of learners.

The Townsend Institute

Request Information

Interested in learning more? Connect with one of our admissions counselors to learn more about the programs we offer.

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