Dr. Thomas received dual doctorates in clinical psychology, specializing in health psychology (PsyD) and public health (preventive care)(DrPH) from Loma Linda University in 2015. She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, hospitals (private, VA, state), and outpatient clinics.

Dr. Thomas uses a wholistic approach in treating individuals, believing that the mind and the body are inextricably interrelated. Health issues such as obesity, chronic headaches, muscle tension, etc. are often due to underlying trauma and unresolved stress. Thus, Dr. Thomas works with individuals to understand how the body affects mental health and vice versa. With a doctorate in public health as well, her experience, focus, and passion has been with helping individuals learn how to live healthy lifestyles, reduce incidences of chronic disease, and reduce obesity.

Dr. Thomas believes that the therapeutic space, temenos, from the Greek meaning a sacred, protected space, is one in which the therapist and the individual collaborate. The therapist is not to be seen as the expert; rather, the individual is the one who knows his or her pain, and the therapist’s role is to facilitate bringing the unconscious and the unexamined feelings/thoughts into awareness.

Dr. Thomas believes that the goals of therapy are: symptom removal (initially), alleviation of pain, facilitation of personal growth, basic character change, and to remove obstacles blocking individuals’ paths. She subscribes to German psychoanalyst, Karen Horney’s view that the human being has an inbuilt propensity toward self-realization. If obstacles are removed, the individual will develop into a mature, fully realized adult, just as an acorn will develop into an oak tree. So, a therapist’s job is identifying and removing the obstacles. Everyone has a yearning for self-realization.

Specialty

Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, health issues (obesity, chronic diseases, chronic pain), women’s issues, health behavior change, relationship issues, career coaching, leadership development.

Treatment Preference

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy,
Humanistic Therapy, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy

Modalities

Individuals

Age Specialty

Adults, elders (65+)