Marco Counseling Center

At Marco Counseling Center we believe that through the power of the Scriptures, God has revealed the inerrant guidance and fundamental principles which are needed to live a rich and abundant Christ centered life.  The Scriptures also provide method and foundation to help believers who struggle with life's issues.  Biblical Counseling is the coming along side these believers to assist them in transforming their thoughts, feelings and behavior to glorify the Lord through use of the Word of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Christian life is continually in the process of change, exchanging the old fallen way of life for a renewed uplifting way of life that is pleasing to God.

Joanne Thorstenson, M.A., Biblical Counselor

Joanne received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Business from Youngstown State University and her Master's Degree in Christian Counseling/Human Relations from Liberty University.  She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, AACC, and the Association of Biblical Counselors, ABC.  She has completed the certification process with the National Association of Christian Counselors, NANC, and is now in the supervision process which will lead to NANC certification.  Joanne has participated in Bible Study Fellowship, BSF, and in Community Bible Study, CBS, where she served as a core group leader and on the CBS leadership council.

Joanne grew up in Pensylvania and was a flight attendant for American Airlines for six years before pursuing her master's degree.  She has been married to Mick Thorstenson for 21 years and they have four children, which next to her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, are the greatest gifts and sweetest joys of her life.

Two of Joanne's favorite Bible verses are Romans 8:28-29.  These verses give us hope that God is working in everything for our good.  He is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range benefit and His glory.  We gain a new perspective and mind-set when we become believers in Jesus Christ and put our trust in Him.

 Paul Flores, Biblical Counselor, PCA Ruling Elder

To God be the glory, great things He has done and will do!  Coming out of the world of small business, Paul returned to school and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University in 2008.  Serving Marco Presbyterian Church since 1995, he has been a volunteer leader working with the Youth Program, leading Bible Studies, serving as a Deacon for eight years and currently as a Ruling Elder since 2007.  The desire for continued growth and service to the Lord and others led to further study at HOPE Biblical Counseling and Training Center under Dr. Virginia Stewart beginning in 2009.  Working at HOPE since 2010 has provided for wonderful opportunities for growth.  With a heart for those who are hurting or in need of Growin' in Knowin' the Lord Jesus Christ, and how to apply the truths of the Bible to our lives.  Paul is currently in the process of certification by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, NANC, and has been a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors, ABC, since 2007.

Paul has been married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, for 35 years.  They have two sons, Matthew and Bryan.  Moving to Marco Island in 1994, the family found not just paradise, but home and family through MPC.  Paul and Linda have enjoyed success through the stewardship of ownership and operation of several marine businesses, the most recent being Royal Yacht Services, 1994 through 2005, and Bottoms Up Hull & Prop, operating since 1995 and still maintaining boats today.

In Philippians 1:9-11, the Apostle Paul prays, "that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."  Paul joins in the above prayer, that we would see increasing evidence of this in our lives and families as the Word of God, through the working of the Holy Spirit, takes us from the darkness of this present world to the light of His glory and grace.

To make an appointment or to find out more information, please contact the church office, or you may speak to the counselors by contacting Paul at paulf@marcochurch.com or 239.253.4755 and Joanne on Mondays and Wednesdays by calling 239.394.8186 or email Joanne directly at joanne@marcochurch.com