Truly great must be the value of human life if the Son of God has taken it up and made it the instrument of the salvation of all humanity

— St. JPII Veritatis Splendor #33

Our Philosophy

At Veritatis Splendor Counseling, our goal is to help our clients come to a greater understanding of their God-given dignity by healing their wounded past.

Using effective treatment modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) along with sound cognitive approaches, clients can regain control over their lives. Since the original efficacy reports on EMDR in 1989 (Shapiro, 1989), studies consistently show that this therapy is effective in treating people with abuse histories, combat veterans, people grieving from loss of family and friends, people with anxiety, depression, and trauma victims. It can also be used with people who have suffered difficult life circumstances such as divorce, relationship difficulties, and emotional pain.

Veritatis Splendor Counseling offers you an opportunity to face your difficulties constructively and confidently; freeing you to enjoy all the good things life has to offer. Don’t wait another minute. Find the relief that you have long been seeking.

Our Therapists

Justin D. McColl, LPC

Founder, Veritatis Splendor Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor

Justin McColl is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and founder of Veritatis Splendor Counseling. He was born in Cody, Wyoming into a traditional ranching family. He ‘cowboyed’ throughout his early life. After high school, Justin served his country in the United States Navy Submarine Force.

Justin completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy at Holy Apostles College in Cromwell, CT and went on to gain his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio.

Justin has over 10 years of clinical experience and he specializes in trauma. Trauma is defined as any disturbing memory and includes annoying past memories up to severe and complex trauma normally diagnosed as PTSD.

Justin has been successful helping clients even when other forms of therapy have not worked.

Bernadette Schmitt, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bernadette Schmitt is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Bernadette completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio where she went on to get her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Bernadette played NCAA soccer while attending Franciscan University and was active in all intercollegiate sports. She was a member of the Daughters of Jerusalem Faith household throughout her years at Franciscan.

Bernadette has over 5+ years of clinical experience and specializes in trauma. She is a Certified Trauma Therapist through Institute of Trauma Therapy inc. located in Morgantown West Virginia, and has several years’ experience as an EMDR therapist.

Testimonials


For over twenty years I held a secret deep in my heart that caused great mental suffering. While I was functional as an adult, my beliefs and deep shame about myself affected my decisions about life. Several traumatic events occurred early in my life that added to this shame and negative beliefs and ultimately was the reason I made several bad choices…

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After experiencing years of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, I lived my entire life in a cloud of shame, guilt, fear, and self-hatred. Throughout my teenage years I lived a life of self-destruction full of high risk behaviors. Around the age of 17, I began to practice my childhood faith of Catholicism and develop a relationship with God…

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