Joel Thomas

Qualifications & Experience

I have a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton  State University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and have completed Phases 1 and 2 of my Brainspotting Certification.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I always had a love for figuring out why people acted or reacted the way they did, and it fascinated me how some people could react in an “ABC” way while others react in a “123” way. I wanted to know not only the “why” behind these reactions, but also how to help those who acted or reacted in ways that were detrimental to themselves and others.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Most of my interests qualify me as a bona fide nerd and geek – stereotypes I gladly embrace. I enjoy painting miniature figurines, playing story-based video games, watching story-driven shows and anime, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. I also dabble in cosplay and go to conventions every year, so I am always on the hunt for new and interesting cosplays to wear.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Brainspotting
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Teens
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Online Counseling
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Process Addictions
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Brainspotting

If you’ve ever felt trapped or overwhelmed by feelings that refuse to go away, Brainspotting can help. This technique allows us to access areas of your brain that standard conversation therapy may not reach. The brain holds onto experiences, good and bad, longer than one may realize, and it is through this method that we access these “Brain Spots” to declutter and destress those parts of the brain that hold them. It is an innovative approach that can help not just at the mental level, but the physical as well.

Trauma

Facing and processing trauma is no small feat, but through therapy, it is possible to build the tools necessary to recover. With the strength of Christ in us, we shall overcome. It will take time, but with God’s help and enabling, we can find healing from the hurt and pain in our minds, hearts, and souls.

Chemical Dependency and Addiction

Addiction comes in many forms. From alcohol and drug use to sex and video games, anything that becomes an obsession for somebody is, by definition, an addiction. Addictions are a destructive tool used to snatch your attention away from what is truly important in your life. It is my goal to help clients overcome this and return to a life of balance and enjoyment, free from their obsessions and addictions.

Grief and Loss

It is my professional and personal belief that grief is one of the most intense forms of trauma. Unlike most traumas, where one can make full and true peace and move forward from it, grief is unique as there is a foundational understanding that, unless the person we lost comes back, it will still hurt long after you have made your peace with their passing. Grief is not something to “get over”—it’s something we learn to carry differently as time passes. If you’re walking through the pain of losing someone or something meaningful, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll honor your loss while also helping you find hope and new ways to move forward, all at a pace that feels right for you.

Online Counseling

In this technological age, online counseling has become more and more prevalent. It was during the pandemic that online counseling first boomed in popularity and since then has become a mainstay in the counseling profession. I provide counseling online to those who need it, as well as in-person. You only need to specify which option you prefer, and I will happily accommodate where I can.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Rockwall – Tuesdays and Friday
• Richardson – Thursdays
• Online Counseling – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.