Pastoral Counseling Services Rebrands as BrightLeaf to Enhance Accessibility

Pastoral Counseling Services, a holistic clinical counseling center based in Manchester, New Hampshire, has officially rebranded as BrightLeaf. This change, announced on December 18, 2025, aims to better reflect the organization’s mission and enhance the accessibility of its services to the community.

Calvin Genzel, Executive Director of BrightLeaf, shared insights into the motivation behind the rebranding. “This new name and brand are rooted in the growth, optimism and collaborative spirit that embody our organization,” he stated. Genzel emphasized that while the name has changed, the core mission remains intact: to support clients on their journeys toward healing in body, mind and spirit.

Understanding the Rebranding Process

BrightLeaf’s origins date back to 1979, when founders Steve Weaver, PhD, and Billy Brown, PhD, established the center with the intention of providing compassionate and spiritually sensitive care. The organization formally incorporated in 1982 as Pastoral Counseling Services, United Church of Christ, Inc. Over the years, however, the terminology within the original name became a deterrent for some potential clients.

Research conducted by the organization revealed that many perceived the term “Pastoral” to imply a focus solely on religious counseling. This misunderstanding suggested that the services were limited to Christian clients or those seeking guidance rooted in Christian Scriptures. Genzel noted, “We came to understand that this unintentionally created a barrier for individuals who did not identify with those criteria – preventing some from seeking the compassionate counseling they needed.”

To address this challenge, the center began using the acronym “PCS.” Nevertheless, this change did not sufficiently clarify the nature of its services for current and prospective clients. In 2024, BrightLeaf partnered with Just Flow Events & Marketing to engage in a comprehensive rebranding process that ultimately led to the new identity.

BrightLeaf’s Commitment to Healing

BrightLeaf is accredited by the Solihten Institute, which underscores its commitment to quality and holistic care. The center offers a wide range of services aimed at promoting healing and wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Its clinical team comprises psychologists, pastoral psychotherapists, social workers, mental health counselors, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.

The center provides compassionate clinical care for various challenges, including grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and family matters such as separation and divorce. BrightLeaf’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility is a central theme in its evolving identity, making it a more inviting space for all individuals seeking support.

For more information about BrightLeaf and the services it offers, interested individuals can visit brightleafnh.org.