Neil Binette, M.A., LMFT (NH, VT)

Counselor (Athletics)

Neil began his work at Liberty University at the end of the fall semester ’18.  Making the move from his hometown of Dover, New Hampshire where he has lived much of his life, he came to Liberty as the Counselor to the Division I Athletes.

Neil is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH and is expecting to graduate by May 2020.  He completed his Masters in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2004) where he has been teaching family therapy for the past year.  He holds his license in the states of New Hampshire and Vermont where he has worked and practiced since 2008.  He also received his Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire in 1999.

During his time as a Ph.D. student, Neil has cultivated a variety of professional interests.  He is currently writing a dissertation focused on family inclusion in wilderness therapy.  He has participated in research projects, studied long hours on the topic of wilderness therapy and presented at numerous regional and national conferences.  He has also obtained his AAMFT Approved Supervisor status and has supervised master’s level clinicians toward licensure.  Neil is also approved to supervise MFTs and LPCs in Virginia. During this time, he has been the clinical director for a women’s sexual health and pregnancy help center, served on the board of directors for a local soup kitchen and food pantry, wrote several grants, been the chair for the board of a men’s sober living house and been director of social services for an adoption agency.  He has also completed several certifications in couples and family therapy modalities.

In addition to teaching, supervision, and research, Neil has a wide range of experiences working with clients in various settings.  Much of his work has been with teens or young adults and their families in residential therapeutic environments.  Most recently, Neil has worked for a wilderness therapy program and before that at a therapeutic boarding school.  He also has extensive experience doing couples therapy in private practice.

Neil has coached swimming for over 20 years, taught swim lessons, worked as a lifeguard, and swam competitively.  More recently he has been staying fit by training for marathons, half-marathons, and various other road races and triathlons.  He has really enjoyed his most recent leisure sport—surfing.

During his free time, Neil has enjoyed several volunteer positions at his church and spending time with this family.  He is a proud parent to two step-children and a son adopted from Ethiopia.  As newly empty-nesters, he and his wife are making the transition to the Lynchburg area.