Thomas Anderson LCSW

My work is active and engaging. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. The problem I see with a lot of CBT resources and materials is they are worksheet or workbook based. That style of learning works for some but I've never been one of those people. Something really sticks with me when I have an experience with it, when I have a story that goes with the lesson or when its more than just words on paper.

All these questions about my approach to therapy come with one massive caveat, every persons individualized plan is determined by them and my job is to meet the clients exactly where they are at. Knowing how this is all theoretical and we can't possibly know what therapy will look like until we meet... I will make an honest attempt to bring authenticity and connection to our therapeutic relationship. That is me throughout life. I am not a mild mannered person. I joke and laugh a lot in my personal life and that doesn't disappear in my professional life. I like to have fun, connect to nature, look for games wherever I can find them in life and stay present. Hopefully I can bring all those things to my approach to therapy with you. I'm a giant cheerleader who is always looking for a silver lining. Ultimately, your personality should have more influence than mine in what direction our therapy goes.

Collaboration is everything. Collaboration is one of the foundational pillars of my work; both with groups and individuals. I'm reminded of an old saying when it comes to collaboration, "Alone we go fast, together we go far." With my work as a school social worker, I was often able to navigate many different perspectives (and let's be honest, egos) in ensuring the best services were provided for the youth. When I began working as your therapist, I join the team. You are captain, you ultimately decide where the ship sails.

• Michigan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 6801101479

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with people and I wanted help people. As I was searching for my first place of employment, I began working as a summer counselor for my local township. I like to think the playful spirit of that job, and many of my other jobs, still informs my work to be active and engaging. From there I went to Western Michigan University, I got my Bachelors' of Social Work. I taught English in Peru for a while before coming back to the states. I began working as an kayak guide while getting my Masters in Social Work. While I was getting my Masters I met Tony Alvarez, an expert in experiential and adventure therapy. I realized that I could join the fun playfulness of games, group experiences, and outdoor adventures with the social emotional learning, processing of trauma and perspective shifting work. A new clarity was brought to my work. From there I moved to Chicago where I worked with adults and adolescents who were wards of the state. When my family grew, I decided to come back to familial support in Michigan. I worked at a K-8 school in Detroit as a school social worker and special education supervisor. As my family grew more and COVID fell upon us, I pivoted from schools to private practice offering teleheatlh visits. I currently offer a telehealth focused hybrid model for services.