Dr. Mark D. Goodson is a pastor, psychotherapist, retired police officer, children’s book author, and former U. S. Army reservist. Mark has served as Racial Equity & Diversity Convenor at Counsel For Relationships and provides counsel for Transformed By Grace, a Christian counseling center.

Dr. Goodson has pastored Destiny Worship Center for over twenty years and has served the city of Philadelphia as a police officer for thirty-two years. During his law enforcement career, Mark was privileged with being assigned to the Employee’s Assistance Program Unit, a unit providing counsel and support for officers and their families. The Employee Assistance Program Unit also provided counsel for the police departments in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

After retiring from law enforcement, Dr. Goodson began providing professional development and trauma-informed care training for schools in Philadelphia. Each training centered on the mental health of students, and the continued impact of the pandemic on students, their families, and the community.

Dr. Goodson has provided in-person and zoom meetings addressing gun violence, anger management, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), and traumas impacting students. He frequently presents on self-care and Wellness for parents of students. As a therapist using Emotionally Focused Therapy concepts, Dr. Goodson currently facilitates relationship improvement and couples’ workshops using Attachment Therapy.