Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care Aligned with Biblical Truth
Compassion-Based
May you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should,
how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is;
and to experience this love for yourselves,
though it is so great that you will never see the end of it
or fully know or understand it.
Ephesians 3:17-19
You are valuable. You are treasured by God who intentionally created you. He loves us even though we make unwise decisions, struggle with overwhelming emotions, and feel weak and inadequate. Forgiving and patient, He longs to help and bless us. We don't have to have it all figured out. Every believer is a work in process. He is the Potter who is shaping us into something beautiful and full of purpose.
Dr. Thomas recognizes her clients' innate value and therefore strives to always convey the respect and compassion they deserve. She provides a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere where it is safe to examine thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors in a confidential setting. Change can be difficult and Dr. Thomas will patiently support and encourage you as you move towards your goals.
Psychotherapy has been around for many decades and , in that time, we have seen numerous psychological theories and treatments introduced, grow in popularity, and then fade into the background as the next popular theory emerged. Over time, our scientific study of treatments for various mental health issues has become increasingly prevalent and rigorous. As a result, our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of differing treatments is rapidly expanding. For many mental health issues, there are certain therapies that research has shown to be most effective. These are known as Evidence-Based Treatments (EBTs).
However, those seeking therapy are not always informed that evidence-based treatment options exist. Unfortunately, the risk is that individuals and families may experience unnecessary, prolonged suffering as they spend additional months or even years in therapy.
Dr. Thomas is committed to providing services that effectively and efficiently address clients' concerns and goals. Therefore, her clinical approach is not derived from a particular theory, but is largely research driven. If Therapy X has shown to generally be the most effective treatment for the concern presented by a client, that approach will, at least initially, guide treatment. Yet individuals are unique; not everyone will respond in the same way. Progress is continually evaluated and frequently discussed so that the counseling process is adapted to what is most effective and what makes the most sense specifically for you.
Evidence-Based
Some examples of Evidence-Based Treatments used by Dr. Thomas include Family-Based Treatment (Maudsley Method), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and biblically-adherent techniques informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. After Dr. Thomas has had a chance to get to know the challenges you are facing, you will receive a clear explanation of what approach she recommends and why. However, counseling is a collaborative effort and your feedback is always valued and incorporated.
Bible-Based
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16
Regardless of what treatment approach is used, there is one constant in the therapy process. The Bible is the ultimate authority for believers. Science and the field of psychology have uncovered truths that help us in our everyday lives. Much of what they have discovered are principles the Bible set down long ago. For example, research has shown that our thought life can dramatically influence our entire well-being. Numerous verses in the Bible emphasize this fact, instructing us why and how to guard our thoughts. Because all real truth is truth that God has established, Christian counseling and the secular field of psychology may often work in unison.
What makes Christian counseling distinct from secular counseling is the value system from which we work. When psychological theories and associated treatments contradict what is taught in scripture, Dr. Thomas holds to Biblical standards. Secular counselors are trained to provide a value-free atmosphere where truth is individually determined. While Christian counselors honor individual differences, they recognize that truth is not arbitrary. The foundation of Christian counseling is the application of Biblical truth to the heart and lives of those seeking help. Whether you are a life-long Christian or a new believer full of questions, whether you are very familiar with the Bible or not, it does not matter. Dr. Thomas is pleased to meet individuals wherever they are in their spiritual journey.
Dr. Thomas recognizes that God created us to have cognitive, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual natures. She provides Christian counseling that is practical, effective, and addresses each of these aspects of self.