Nurturing North Idaho's Mental Health One Person at a Time
As Christian therapists, we believe every person is given unique and intrinsic value by God. When you understand your true value, you can discover your identity and live a life of courageous purpose.
Our Guiding Framework
The Three Pillars of VIP Counseling
Integrating biblical truth with scientifically founded therapeutic models to guide you toward freedom, courage, and hope.
Value
Inherent Worth in God's Eyes
In Genesis 1, God created humankind and uniquely labeled them as "very good." In contrast to the world's metrics of wealth and beauty, our value comes simply from God's declaration. Recognizing this intrinsic worth is the essential first step toward personal freedom.
Identity
Restoring Who You Are
Just as our sense of value can be distorted by trauma and shame, our identity can become muddled. The One who created us is the ultimate source for understanding who we are. God acts as our advocate, guiding us back to our true self with grace and truth.
Purpose
Walking in True Calling
Many live with a stolen sense of purpose, following others' expectations or past trauma. The Bible presents God as our partner, inviting us into His redemptive work. Realizing who you were uniquely created to be unleashes lasting hope and direction.
What Are We About?
With principles of the Christian faith and the application of scientifically founded therapeutic models, you no longer have to fight alone. We are willing to meet you wherever you are on your journey, without judgment, and work towards a relationship with God that leads to finding the path of freedom, courage, and hope.
Whether you are struggling with acute trauma, debilitating panic, lingering depression, adoption and attachment wounds, or marital disconnection, our team combines clinical credentials with compassionate pastoral insight.
Our Clinicians
Meet the VIP Counseling Team
Licensed professional therapists and seasoned pastoral counselors serving North Idaho.
Dean Piovesan, LCPC
LCPC (Idaho #LCPC-8121)
Focus Areas
Director of Alternative Education for at-risk youth; Certified Equine Specialist (Eagala Method) for trauma; outpatient community mental health therapist.
Dr. Jonathan Whiting, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist (State of Idaho)
Focus Areas
Comprehensive psychological assessment, trauma-informed clinical psychotherapy, emotion regulation protocols, and identity development.
Jennifer Moore, LPC
LPC (State of Idaho)
Focus Areas
Decades of direct clinical and personal experience supporting foster and adoptive families, childhood attachment disruptions, and complex marital dynamics.
Russ Smyth, Pastoral Counselor
ABCC Certified Biblical Counselor, Genesis Process Certified
Focus Areas
Over 40 years of vocational ministry, international missionary service, pastoral counseling, addiction recovery leadership, and marriage reconciliation.
Finding Hope in Unlikely Places
Bristlecone pine trees grow in the harshest alpine ridges, scarred by lightning and smoothed by fierce winds. From a distance they seem dying; close up, we find a tree thriving, unique, and made beautiful. Much like the bristlecone and the humble sparrow, our greatest strength and worth often emerge from trials.
“Even the common, plain, and ordinary are precious to Him.”
— From our featured essay Common Sparrows · By Bonnie Piovesan
Client Experiences
Why People Choose VIP Counseling
Read genuine words from individuals and families we've had the honor of walking with.
“One year out from taking multiple counseling sessions with Dean and I still feel like I have the tools to manage the difficulties and stresses that led me to seek out counseling.”
Patrick
“Dean is easy to connect with and talk to. I appreciate his open demeanor and flexibility. Would absolutely recommend.”
Jackson
“Highly recommend. I'm grateful to have Dean in my life!”
Kenny
Serving Our Communities Throughout the Inland Northwest
We welcome clients in-person at our central Coeur d'Alene office, as well as via secure telehealth counseling for residents across Idaho and Washington: