Burt Thomas

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern|Clinically Supervised

My journey to becoming a therapist began with my service as a U.S. Marine, where I learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of supporting those around me. After my military service, I worked as a first responder, a role that was both rewarding and incredibly challenging. During that time, I faced my own struggles with alcoholism, which gave me a deeply personal understanding of how addiction can impact every part of life—relationships, work, and self-esteem. Experiencing recovery firsthand inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others navigate similar challenges. I realized that the guidance, understanding, and practical tools that helped me could also make a real difference for others. This combination of personal experience and professional training shaped my approach as a therapist: empathetic, practical, and focused on helping people build sustainable, meaningful change. I chose this profession because I know what it’s like to face life’s toughest battles and the courage it takes to seek help. My goal is to meet clients where they are, honor their experiences, and provide the support and skills they need to reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence.

A key component of the therapeutic relationship is trust. Without trust, a client may feel unsafe sharing their thoughts, feelings, or struggles, and progress becomes difficult. Trust is built through consistent empathy, active listening, and genuine respect for the client’s experiences. I also see collaboration as essential—therapy works best when the client and therapist are partners. This means setting goals together, exploring options rather than giving directives, and honoring the client’s autonomy throughout the process. When trust and collaboration are present, clients feel supported and empowered to take meaningful steps toward change. For me, it’s not just about having a professional connection; it’s about creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood, so they can be honest with themselves and with me.

I’d want people to know that therapy isn’t about being “fixed” or judged—it’s about being understood and supported. Many hesitate because they think they need to have everything figured out or fear appearing weak. This can feel even more challenging for veterans or first responders, who are trained to stay strong, push through, and handle crises on their own. Therapy is a safe space to explore what’s going on, understand your patterns, and find practical ways to feel better and move forward—without judgment. It’s a place where you can be honest, make mistakes, and learn at your own pace. Change doesn’t have to be immediate or perfect; the first step is simply having someone in your corner to help guide the journey.