My collaborative approach combines compassion with accountability so that you can develop greater self-awareness, insight, and skills. We will define the problem and your goals before exploring and agreeing upon a set of interventions, pulling from various therapeutic approaches, including ACT, CBT, SFT, and aspects of DBT, as well as being trauma-informed. As a side note, I often use analogies to describe therapeutic concepts.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, I will spend some time going over the rights and responsibilities that both you, as the client, and myself, as the clinician, have, as well as answer any questions you might have. Generally, the first few sessions will be spent assessing before we collaboratively build out a treatment plan, which will include clearly defining the problem, goals, and initial interventions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my strengths as a provider include authenticity, compassion, and strong self-differentiation (the ability to distinguish my emotions, experiences, and thoughts from those of my clients).
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Whether you're navigating a transition in life or experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, anger, grief, regret, existential questions, or personal struggles relating to motivation or clarity, I'm here to empower you for the journey ahead. Do you want a tailored approach to meet your specific needs and goals? I believe every individual's path is unique, and I will work with you to create such a plan. I have worked in a maximum security correctional institution and inpatient and outpatient facilities for substance abuse and mental health, and I used to work as a hospice chaplain. As a therapist, I have worked with military vets, survivors of sexual and nonsexual trauma, and individuals who have struggled with a range of matters from racism to miscarriages, marital issues, sexual difficulties, sleep, physical illness, retirement, and more.
About James Thomson
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing to facilitate the exploration of cognitive distortions, to process trauma, and to identify challenging emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This form of therapy is primarily utilized to identify thoughts and beliefs that do not serve an individual well, and then explore different thoughts and beliefs that may be more advantageous.
Eclectic
I utilize techniques and concepts from various therapy modalities to best meet my clients' needs. These include a person-centered approach, mindfulness, grounding techniques, guided meditation, and approaches from DBT, narrative therapy, ACT. I also do not shy away if the client wants to explore how their spiritual beliefs and practices factor into their treatment.