Heather Thomas

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with extensive training in addressing individual, couple, and family issues. My education and clinical experience have equipped me to handle a variety of challenges, including relationship dynamics, communication, mental health issues, and life transitions. I am licensed in both California and Oregon. BS in Sociology Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA and MA Depth and Counseling Psychology Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA.

I believe in empowering people to live their best life and to see their intrinsic worth and value. I love to see couple clients learn connection and communication skills and I also enjoy helping clients leave a relationship that is no longer working. I have a history of working with clients dealing with personality disorders as well as working with their family members. Trauma is something so many of us have dealt with and I strive to empower those dealing with trauma learn skills to overcome their past.

I've found that people who are self absorbed with narcissistic traits do not enjoy working with me. I set boundaries, I am solution focused, and I am focused on change. If what you're doing isn't working, then let's try something different. Having the same fight, either with yourself or your partner, isn't working. I can help you learn other ways. Remember, if you're winning an argument against a loved one, you are losing big time.

I hope client's take away the belief that they are good enough and that they have the tools inside themselves to lead their best life. I strive to empower them with skills that will help achieve that goal. No one is born with a manual about how to do this life but with knowledge & practice of skills, with empowerment and encouragement, I truly believe anything is possible. Seeing people connect to self, to process and heal, to learn skills and then have a more content life is why I do this work.

At our first session, we will see if we are a good fit. If we are not, that's okay. I want you to be with the best therapist for you. I will ask you what your history, what brings you into therapy now, and we can discuss some solution focused ideas for treatment goals. Collaboratively, we will develop a treatment plan. Our session will last 53 minutes in which time we will also make our next appointment. You are free to schedule one at a time or book in advance. You will have access to me via messages on your Headway account. If you are feeling suicidal or can not keep yourself safe, please call 911, 988 or get to nearest emergency department. If you need a sooner appointment, please reach out to me.