Thomas Helton (LPC)

As a therapist who works primarily with the LGBQT+ community and individuals in non-traditional marriages/relationships, I approach my work with a deep commitment to non-judgment and openness, creating a space where you can freely discuss anything holding you back from living your best life. My therapeutic approach is a blend of Reality Therapy, Carl Rogers’ person-centered counseling, Adlerian Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing me to tailor my methods to meet the diverse needs of my clients. I take Virginia Satir’s wisdom to heart: “The most basic human need is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” This philosophy guides my practice, ensuring I listen with empathy and genuine understanding. By doing so, I strive to offer support that is not only effective but also deeply compassionate. Specialties Life Transition Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development describe how people grow and change throughout their lives. Each stage involves a challenge or conflict that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality. For example, babies learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers in infancy while they explore their identity in adolescence. As people age, they face other challenges, like establishing meaningful relationships and reflecting on their lives. Successfully managing these challenges leads to accomplishment and well-being, while failure can result in difficulties later. LGBTQ+ Vivienne Cass’ Gay Identity Module is a framework designed to help understand individuals’ stages in recognizing and accepting their sexual orientation. It outlines a process that starts with a person becoming aware of their same-sex attraction and struggling with it, then moving through a phase of accepting and integrating their identity, and finally reaching a stage of positive self-identity and pride in their sexuality. The model emphasizes that this journey is unique for each person and can involve various emotional and social challenges. Peer Relationships Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, explains how people form their self-concept and attitudes based on their membership in social groups. According to this theory, individuals categorize themselves and others into groups, such as race, religion, or profession. This categorization influences how they perceive themselves and interact with others. People tend to favor their group, the ingroup, and view members of other groups, or outgroups, less favorably. This favoritism helps boost self-esteem and fosters a sense of belonging and identity. Social Identity Theory highlights how group membership shapes personal identity and social dynamics.