I grew up in a Christian home and always had a sincere desire to know and follow God. But during my senior year of college, a personal crisis sent me into a season of emotional and spiritual unraveling. Anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts left me feeling disoriented, isolated, and stuck. The life I thought I was building fell apart — and I didn’t know how to move forward.

I tried all the “right” things — reading more Scripture, praying harder, pushing through. But while my head knew the truth, my heart felt distant. I longed for connection with God, but couldn’t find my way back through sheer willpower or more information.

What changed everything was discovering a new way forward — one that integrated emotional regulation, attachment theory, spiritual formation, and brain science. I began learning how my nervous system worked, how secure relationships foster healing, how to recognize my internal patterns, and how to experience God not just cognitively, but relationally.

That’s when the shift happened — not overnight, but over time. I moved from merely knowing about transformation to actually experiencing it. I felt more connected to God. I grew in self-awareness and compassion. I developed resilience and began to live from a place of grounded joy and relational presence.

And I knew I wanted to help others do the same.

That vision birthed the NeuroRelational Coaching Institute™ — and with it, the RISE Coach Certification. This work is the culmination of years of study, soul work, and leadership experience. Our approach integrates the best of neuroscience, positive psychology, spiritual wisdom, and relational skill to equip coaches to walk with others through real, lasting change.

In addition to leading the Institute, I serve as a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in North Carolina, where I support spiritual growth, lead small group ministry, and offer pastoral counseling and coaching. I also co-host the Encounter Grace Podcast, where we explore real life through a biblical lens — from leadership and healing to emotional health and spiritual maturity.

I’m a husband and dad to two incredible boys, and nothing brings me greater joy than meaningful time with my family. I’m always learning — whether through theology, psychology, or the beauty of ordinary conversations — and I believe we’re all on a journey of becoming more whole, more rooted, and more free.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
You’re not broken — you’re becoming.
And you don’t have to walk that road alone.

Thanks for stopping by. I’d be honored to walk with you.

-Justin Tilghman