Dr. Ron Welch joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 2008 as associate professor of Counseling. He earned the PsyD and MA in Clinical Psychology from Central Michigan University. He has worked in the field of clinical psychology for over 20 years, has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 1997, and holds a diplomate in professional counseling.
He began his post-doctoral career in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he worked for seven years as a clinical psychologist. Prior to joining Denver Seminary, he was the chair of the Psychology Department at Colorado Christian University and taught at Crichton College. Dr. Welch had maintained a private practice specializing in marriage and family work since 2004 before opening his Transformational Marriage™ practice in 2012.
Dr. Welch is the author of the books 10 Choices Successful Couples Make: The Secret to Love that Lasts a Lifetime and The Controlling Husband – What Every Woman Needs To Know. He speaks both locally and nationally on issues related to power and control in marriage. He is the author of several articles and book chapters and has presented at numerous professional conferences. He has been married for nearly 30 years to his wife, Jan, has two wonderful sons, is active in international missions work, and enjoys coaching youth sports.
Areas of Academic Interest and Research
Dr. Welch’s primary speaking and writing interest is in power and control in marriage. However, he is also interested in men’s issues, the development of spiritual maturity, social models of friendship attachment, the interaction of hope and attachment with religious behaviors, and relationship satisfaction.
In Perspective – Helping Relationships Thrive in Times of Crisis and Change
Listen to Dr. Ron Welch on Engage360:
Dr. Welch’s primary speaking and writing interest is in power and control in marriage. However, he is also interested in men’s issues, the development of spiritual maturity, social models of friendship attachment, the interaction of hope and attachment with religious behaviors, and relationship satisfaction.
Books and Book Chapters Authored
- 10 Choices Successful Couples Make: The Secret to Love That Lasts a Lifetime. Revell, 2019.
- The Controlling Husband: What Every Woman Needs to Know. Revell, 2014.
- Welch, R,. & Manni, B. (2008). Changing family dynamics: Supporting children through family changes. In J. Kinner (Ed.), Group’s emergency response handbook for children’s ministries (pp. 33-44). Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, Inc.
- Welch, R., Kinner, J., and Dunn, H. (2008). Legal trouble: Understanding how it affects children and families. In J. Kinner (Ed.), Group’s emergency response handbook for children’s ministries (pp. 83-95). Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, Inc.
Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Articles
- Welch, R. (2015). The Christ-centered alpha male. Command: Christian perspectives on life in the military, 64, 4-5.
- Nesbit, E., & Welch, R. (2015). Core components of successful doctor of ministry programs. Theological Education, 50, 13-32.
- Nesbit, E. & Welch, R. (2015). Six core components of successful DMin programs. Colloquy Online, Association of Theological Schools, November 2015.
- Welch, R. (2015). The Christ-centered alpha male. Command: Christian perspectives on life in the military, 64, 4-5.
- Houser, M., & Welch, R. (2013). Hope, religious behaviors, & attachment to God: A trinitarian perspective. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 41, 281-297.
- Van Tongeren, D. R., Welch. R. D., Davis, D. E., Green, J. D., & Worthington, E. L., Jr. (2012). “Priming virtue: Forgiveness and justice elicit divergent moral judgments among religious individuals.” Journal of Positive Psychology, 7, 405-415.
- Welch, R., & Houser, M. (2010). Extending the four-category model of adult attachment: An interpersonal model of friendship attachment. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27, 351-366.
- Welch. R, & Mellberg, K. (2008). Spiritual maturation and religious behaviors in Christian university students. Christian Higher Education, 7, 142-161.
- Welch, R. (2005). Ending intimate abuse: Practical guidance and survival strategies. Albert R. Roberts and Beverly Schenkman Roberts. Journal of Marriage and Family, 67, 1100-1101.
Book Reviews, Peer-Reviewed Works, Magazine Articles, and Other Articles
- Welch, R. (2010). [Review of the book Psychology in the spirit: Contours of a transformational psychology, by J. Coe and T. Hall]. Denver Journal, 13.
- Welch, R. (2010). Guatemala: A land of contradictions. Denver Seminary Magazine, 6, 13.
- Welch, R. (2010). Guatemala: A land of contradictions. Denver Seminary Website. Retrieved from https://www.denverseminary.edu/resources/news-and-articles/guatemala-a-land-of-contradictions/.
- Welch, R,. & Manni, B. (2008). Changing family dynamics: Supporting children through family changes. In J. Kinner (Ed.), Group’s emergency response handbook for children’s ministries (pp. 33-44). Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, Inc.
- Welch, R., Kinner, J., and Dunn, H. (2008). Legal trouble: Understanding how it affects children and families. In J. Kinner (Ed.), Group’s emergency response handbook for children’s ministries (pp. 83-95). Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, Inc.
- Welch, R. (2005). Pre-revision textbook review of Kottler, J. (2004). Introduction to therapeutic counseling-voices from the field, (56h ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning.
- Welch, R. (2005). Pre-revision textbook review of Barlow, D. & Durand, V. (2005). Abnormal psychology: An integrative approach. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
- Welch, R. (1994). The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral parent training and child group treatment of noncompliant children. Doctoral Dissertation; Central Michigan University, Defended – 12/94.
- Welch, R. (1989). Interpersonal conflict escalation: A critical review of the relevant research. Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Project, Central Michigan University, 9/89.
- Welch, R. (1986). Conflict management in marriage: The interpersonal aspects of marital discord. Undergraduate Thesis, University of Denver, 5/86.
Papers
- Welch, R. (2014, April). The controlling husband: An inside look. Paper presented at the meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Portland, OR.
- Houser, M., Welch, R., Cannon, C., Simon, C., & Bell J. (2013, August). Therapy effectiveness & the role of hope, attachment, & forgiveness as common factors. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, HI.
- Bell, J., Simon, C., Houser, M., & Welch, R. (2013, April). Hope, forgiveness, & attachment as common factors in treatment outcomes. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Houser, M. and Welch, R. (2012, May). Hope & religious behaviors as predictors of attachment to God security. Paper presented at the Association for Psychological Science, Chicago, IL.
- Welch, R. and Houser, M. (2010, April). Extending the four-category model of adult attachment: An interpersonal model of friendship attachment. Paper presented at the meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Kansas City, MO.
- Houser, M. and Welch, R. (2010, April). Hope, religious behaviors, and attachment to God: A trinitarian perspective. Paper presented at the meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Kansas City, MO.
- VanTongeren, D., Ives, K., Cullen, M, and Welch, R. (2008, April). Deciphering immorality: The role of forgiveness, empathy, and religion in judging morality. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Boise, ID.
- Weber, C. and Welch, R. (2008, April). The interactions of mother/father relationships, perceived family social support, and self-esteem. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Boise, ID.
- Houser, M. and Welch, R. (2008, April). Extending the four category model of adult attachment: Social factors in friendship attachments. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Boise, ID.
- Welch, R. and Houser, M. (2008, April). Hope and religious behaviors as contributing factors in attachment to God. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Boise, ID.
- Houser, M. and Welch, R. (2007, April). Attachment to friends: Developing a new model of adult attachment. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. and Houser, M. (2007, April). The interaction of hope, relationship satisfaction, and religious behaviors in Christian college students. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO
- Welch, R. and Mellberg, K. (2007, April). A new model for spiritual maturation in Christian university students. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Ives, K. and Welch, R. (2007, April). Spiritual maturity in Christian university students. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Cullen, M., Pucci, D., and Welch, R. (2007, April). Self-esteem, conformity, personal attributes, and internalization of religious beliefs in Christian university students. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Knigge, E., VanTongeren, D., and Welch, R. (2007, April). The effects of conformity, justice, and forgiveness on moral judgment. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Vanderkleed, A. and Welch, R. (2007, April). The influence of media on women’s self-concept, fear of intimacy and personal control. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Convention, Denver, CO, 4/13/07.
- Welch, R. and Mellberg, K. (2006, April). Spiritual maturation and relationship satisfaction in Christian university students. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Park City, UT.
- Cullen, M. and Welch, R. (2006, April). Spiritual maturity at a faith-based university. Paper presented at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Park City, UT.
Presentations
- How to Deal with a Controlling Spouse for Focus on the Family Broadcast, 2022. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/how-to-deal-with-a-controlling-spouse/
- Welch, R. (2015, November). Transformational marriage: How hope, Selflessness, forgiveness and praise can transform a marriage. Presentation to the “Great Date Night” Evening Dinner. Follow-up Conference for the Center for Relationship Enhancement Weekend Marriage Seminar, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2015, April). Healing the Controlling Marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2015, March). How hope, selflessness, forgiveness, and praise can transform a marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Couples Counseling Class at Denver University, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2014, August). The Controlling Husband. Presentation at the meeting of the Southwest Counseling Association staff, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2014, July). The Controlling Husband. Skype presentation at the meeting of The Center staff, Seattle, WA.
- Welch, R. (2014, June). What Every Pastor, Counselor, and Helper Needs to Know about Power and Control in Marriage. Webinar Presentation at the meeting of the Denver Seminary Alumni, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2013, November). Conflict Management in Marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Center for Relationship Enhancement Seminar, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2013, July). Ethics in Counseling. Presentation at the meeting of the Southwest Counseling Association staff, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2013, January). DSM-5Overview. Presentation at the meeting of the Southwest Counseling Association staff, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. Hall, E., McMinn, M., and Yarhouse, M. (2013, April). Talking about faith with clients and others: A panel discussion on integrating faith and practice. Presentation at the meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Portland, OR.
- Welch, R. (2013, March). How hope, selflessness, forgiveness, and praise can transform a marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Couples Counseling Class at Denver University, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2013, February). A Journey to Asia. Presentation at the meeting of the Truth Christian Academy, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2013, January). Being a man of integrity in your marriage and family. Presentation at the meeting of the Cadence International Men’s Retreat Conference, Yokosuka, Japan.
- Welch, R. (2013, October). Do you hear what I am saying? Presentation at the meeting of Truth Christian Academy, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2012, July). The Meaning of Marriage: Tim Kellar’s Concepts. Presentation at the meeting of St. James Presbyterian Church, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2012, April). The truth about power and control in Christian marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Marriage America Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Welch, R. (2012, March). How hope, selflessness, forgiveness, and praise can transform a marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Couples Counseling Class at Denver University, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2012, February). Controlling husbands and peacekeeping wives: The truth about power and control in marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Denver Marriage Conference, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2011, October). Marriage: Who’s really running the show? Presentation at the meeting of the Denver Seminary Alumni Association in Ft. Collins, CO.
- Welch, R. and Welch, J. (2011, November). Marriage: Who’s really running the show? Presentation at the meeting of the Leadership Lunch program for Denver Seminary in Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2011, September). Why do I do what I don’t want to do? Finding God in the addiction process. Presentation at the meeting of the Logos Central Chapel in Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2011, April). Negotiation with religious extremists. Presentation at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Hostage Negotiation Association in Frisco, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, October). Parenting: Having a better relationship with your children. Presentation at the meeting of the Chinese Christian Assembly in Denver, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, October). The four cornerstones of a healthy marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the First United Hmong Alliance Church, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, October). Parenting: How to create a better relationship with your children. Presentation at the meeting of the First United Hmong Alliance Church, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, October). Do you hear what I am saying? Presentation at the meeting of the University of Colorado Intervarsity Christian Graduate Student Fellowship, Boulder, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, August). The top ten ways husbands control their wives. Presentation at the meeting of the South Suburban Christian Church, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, August). Four core principles of a healthy marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Chinese Christian Assembly in Denver, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. (2010, June). Holiness in Marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the Son of Justice Coalition of Churches, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
- Welch, R. (2010, April). Selflessness in Marriage. Video presentation prepared for the Grace Evangelical Free Church, Longmont, CO.
- Welch, R. (2009, October). Selflessness in Marriage. Presentation at the meeting of the St. James Presbyterian Church Couples Garden Program, Littleton, CO.
- Kay, T., Welch, R., and Amsel, E. (2008, April). Academic integrity: Ethical issues in student internships, jobs, and service learning. Presentation at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Convention, Boise, ID.
- Welch, R., Ewing, V., and Daniel, D. (2008, April). Teaching new teachers to teach. Presentation at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Boise, ID.
- Welch, R. (2008, April). Narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders: Diagnosis and treatment. Presentation at the meeting of the Colorado Christian University Couns Center, Lakewood, CO.
- Sugar, J., Welch, R., Wilson, A., Sullivan, R., and Bells, S. (2007, April). Teaching students across the lifespan: From the ‘millennial generation’ to the ‘greatest generation’. Presentation at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Denver, CO.
- Welch, R. and Zimmerman, L. (2007, February). Life after graduation – Part 1. Presentation at the meeting of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program, Colorado Christian University.
- Welch, R. and Zimmerman, L. (2007, February). Life after graduation – Part 2. Presentation at the meeting of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. and Gavi, T. (2007, March). Integrating spirituality into counseling. Presentation at the meeting of the Peer Counseling Organization, Columbine High School, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2006, July). Classic schools of family therapy: Strategic, structural, and experiential therapy. Presentation at the meeting of the Introduction to Marriage/Family Systems class – D.MinProgram, Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. and Freeman, N. (2006, November). Life after a bachelor’s degree at CCU: Graduate school and employment with an undergraduate psychology major. Presentation at the meeting of the Undergraduate Psychology Program, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. (2006, August). Academic excellence at a Christian university: Being more than just a teaching university. Presentation at the meeting of the Faculty, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. (2006, August). Updates on ethical issues and licensing laws in Colorado. Presentation at the meeting of Southwest Counseling Associates, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2006, December). Issues in correctional psychology. Presentation at the meeting of the Forensic Psychology Class, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. (2006, November). Controversial issues in sports psychology. Presentation at the meeting of the Guest Lecture, Sports Psychology Class, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. (2005, October). Relational pathways to God. Presentation at the meeting of the Full Student Body, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO.
- Welch, R. (2005, August). Treatment of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders. Presentation at the meeting of Southwest Counseling Associates, Littleton, CO.
- Welch, R. (2004, September). Anger management for college students. Presentation at the meeting of the Faculty of the School of Biblical Studies, Humanities, and Sciences, Colorado Christian University.
- Welch, R. (1997, April). Inmate suicide companions in the bureau of prisons. Presentation at the meeting of the American Association of Suicidology, Memphis, TN.
Editorial Work
- Lead Track Coordinator, Christian Association of Psychological Studies, May 2014 – Present.
- Track Coordinator, Christian Association of Psychological Studies, May 2012 – Present.
- Reviewer, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, June 2009 – Present.
- Reviewer, Journal of Psychology and Theology, October 2010 – Present.