Life Skills Founder

Dr. Paul Hegstrom
    Dr. Paul Hegstrom is the founder of Life Skills International. He spent the first forty years of his life not understanding the driving force that caused him to self-destruct again and again. He could not communicate or identify his feelings. He knew something was wrong, but lived his life in denial. Over $20,000 was spent on counseling where he was giving "labels," however, it never got to the root of his problem. This only added to his anger and frustration. His 16-year marriage ended because he could not get the help he needed. The violence continued in subsequent relationships and finally, after being involved in a life-threatening situation that could have meant 15-20 years in prison, he asked for help.

     In 1983, Paul and Judy were remarried. They brought healing to their own family as they worked to set up Life Skills International.

     As a testimony to the program's effectiveness, their second marriage has been free of emotional and physical abuse since its beginning. All three children and their families live violence free lives.
Paul's Credentials:

  • Ph.D. in Pastoral Marriage and Family Therapy, Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • M.S. in Pastoral Counseling, Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • B.S. in Pastoral Counseling, Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Humane Letters, Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Domestic Violence Counselor 
    Endorsement, National Board of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
  • Level IV Domestic Violence Certification, National Association of Forensic Counselors
  • Member of AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors)
  • Member of CAPS (Christian Association of Psychological Studies)
  • 18,000 hours of research in Domestic Violence and related issues
  • 36,000 hours facilitation clinics for victims and perpetrators of abuse
  • An internationally recognized authority in attitude and behavioral changes
  • Author of Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them, Beacon Hill Press, Spring 1999
  • Author of Broken Children, Grown Up Pain, Beacon Hill Press, Summer 2001
  • Founder/Developer of the Life Skills International Program
Life Skills Of Wisconsin is a...