Dr. Michael Sytsma has been working with couples in a variety of capacities since 1987. He is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia, a Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor. He is also an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church and has served as a staff pastor for churches with attendance from 30 to over 1000. He is currently appointed to Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. by The Wesleyan Church, where he provides marriage and sex therapy and training to other professionals. Michael also cofounded Sexual Wholeness, Inc., a Christian non-profit dedicated to training, equipping, and certifying professionals in human sexuality. 

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University, Michael went on to receive a master’s degree in community counseling from Georgia State University and a diploma in Christian counseling from Psychological Studies Institute. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in Child and Family Development/Marriage and Family Therapy, where he specialized in marital sexual therapy. His dissertation topic was “Sexual Desire Discrepancy in Married Couples.” 

With a pastoral heart, a gift in teaching, and a passion for helping couples grow in marriage, Michael uses his skills to teach couples important truths about marriage in a fun and interesting way, helping them to grow into healthier, transformative relationships with their spouses.  

As a therapist, Michael is a compassionate pastor who is not afraid to encourage others, calling them into further holiness to ultimately become the men and women God has created them to be. He hopes to grow marriages into intimate, God-designed unions—reflective of the Gospel. His workshops and seminars have helped countless couples across America.  

As a professor, Dr. Sytsma teaches 6-8 graduate courses a year in sex therapy and human sexuality.  He is a professor at Asbury Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas Theologica Seminary, Denver Seminary, and Richmont Graduate.  

Michael has been married to his wife Karen since 1985. They have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.