Dr. Townsend, clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, is an engaging and informative speaker. He has helped countless people in many arenas of life, with his unique blend of wisdom, humor, care, and spirituality. He offers keen insight on all aspects of relationship--family, marriage, parenting, dating, and personal growth--and connects with his audience in a very personal way.
Dr. Townsend is frequently able to combine these ministry and speaking opportunities with his strong personal interest in international travel. He has conducted seminars in China, India, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Kenya, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and Sweden. A prolific writer, he has authored or co-authored eighteen books, the most recent being Rescue Your Love Life and Boundaries with Teens. He has sold over four million copies of his books, including the million-seller Boundaries. His work has earned him three Gold Medallion awards, as well as the Retailers Choice award for God Will Make a Way.
God Will Make a Way was also the focus of a book and television partnership with Integrity Publishers and Time-Life. Dr. Townsend has appeared often on radio and television broadcasts, including FOX News. He co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio program New Life Live, which broadcasts in over 150 markets.
Dr. Townsend co-founded Cloud-Townsend Resources, the company that produces and resources his speaking events. He also co-founded a health-care company that operated treatment centers in thirty-five cities in the Western United States, serving as Clinical Co-Director for ten years. This extensive background in clinical practice and research is the source of the many insights on personal growth and problem solving that he shares with audiences today.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Dr. Townsend earned his BA in psychology at North Carolina State University, graduating with honors. He went on to obtain his Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, again with honors, and then his Masters and PhD in clinical psychology from Biola University in California.
Dr. Townsend serves on the board of Mustard Seed Ranch, a unique, faith- focused program that uses a ranch setting to assist those in need. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of two other ministries, India Gospel League, which supports the needy in India, and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), a ministry to moms. He served as president of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (Western Division) and is a frequent guest instructor for the Graduate Medical Education Curriculum Program at Loma Linda Medical School.
Dr. Townsend, along with his wife and sons, lives in Southern California. He is a music lover, and despite his busy schedule, has been playing in a band here for the past several years!