Hello. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for Massachusetts clients, but am living in South Carolina. I have my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Springfield (MA) college, where I received a good deal of training in Family therapy. Mindy, Body and Spirit are a focal point of their education. Through our virtual visits I will be working with adults who are experiencing difficulty with life stressors, grief and loss, depression, PTSD and mood disturbance.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, we will discuss some "housekeeping" things, sign some forms and gather some background information. I am not a big fan of dredging up the past, unnecessarily, as it seems painful and pointless. I am gentle in my approach. We will then discuss a treatment plan. I refer to people I work with as clients, versus, patients. The treatment plan in client centered. It's what you would like to focus on that we will pursue, but we can tweak it as you wish.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked in various levels of behavioral healthcare in the last 30 plus years. Earlier in my career, I have worked with children and their families. They were "at risk" children. Sometimes we addressed reunification and adoption. More recently, I have been working with adults with significant (and sometimes terminal) illnesses. We have worked together on co-existing behavioral health issues and Diabetes, COPD, Congestive Heart Failure, etc.
About Thomas Vassar
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Christian Counseling
My experience experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be utilized alone or in combination with psychodynamic psychotherapy. My primary experience is with grief, trauma, depression and anxiety. Christian counseling can be implemented with the above treatment approaches. For the last decade or so I have worked with clients with significant debilitating medical concerns. My goal is to help clients realize their potential, as it is meant to be - as often is spoken to through their Christian faith.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)
I prefer CBT because it is straight forward and easy to see the progression of how unhealthy thoughts and beliefs can lead to unhealthy behaviors and health outcomes. By exploring how to shift ones interpretation of what may be happening in the world around them, and thoughts that emerge in that moment, true change can occur. Science supports the efficacy of CBT as a tried and true treatment model. It is one that works best when it is individualized, based on ones history, beliefs and interpersonal style.