Meet Tony Sonnen, Catholic Counseling Intern

Tony Sonnen is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern at Novare Counseling Center and a graduate student at Divine Mercy University in Sterling, VA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Since retiring in 2021 from 30 years in homebuilding and real estate, Tony has redirected his lifelong passion for helping others into the field of counseling.

Tony’s therapeutic approach is grounded in the Catholic Christian Meta‑Model of the Person (CCMMP), which integrates insights from psychology, Christian philosophy, and Catholic theology. This holistic framework affirms the intrinsic dignity of every human person, created in the image of God and oriented toward both divine and human love.

He sees his role not only as a clinician but as a companion on a vocational pilgrimage—supporting clients in their pursuit of authentic flourishing through a balanced integration of faith, reason, and evidence‑based practice. This model guides his identity as a Christian professional, answering a call to serve with compassion, integrity, and respect for each person’s freedom and conscience.

Areas of Clinical Interest:

• Men’s issues and identity formation

• Addiction (including substance use and sexual addiction)

• Depression and anxiety disorders, including scrupulosity

• Trauma and abuse recovery

• Spiritual integration and vocational discernment

• Self-esteem and body image concerns

• Adjustment and life transitions

• Grief, loss, and bereavement

• Relationship dynamics and interpersonal growth

Combining clinical rigor with pastoral sensitivity, Tony works to empower Christian clients to overcome obstacles, cultivate virtue, and embrace their God-given vocation.