Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Thomas.
Hi Hillary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Yes, thanks for having me. Well, before my private practice, I worked for community mental health agencies and group practices where the rules are very concrete. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in these roles. I definitely felt that and decided to pivot to a non-clinical role to take a break. In doing so, I realized how important being a therapist is to me. As a queer person, having access to therapy was life-changing for me. So, I view it as really meaningful work. As a therapist I get to be with a client during a challenging time and create a relationship where they feel safe enough to unfold, explore deeply, and consider what to do next. In starting my therapy private practice, my intention was to reconnect with what I found meaningful, at my own pace. It’s been so fulfilling to be able to go slow, build my own map, and practice therapy the way I want to.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really! The challenges in building my practice are that there’s no map – I’m learning about the business side as I go. I suppose that’s the good part, too, though, having freedom to shape your business how you want it to be. I find myself wishing I had more hours in the day to truly focus on networking, marketing, and development, but I think that’s a dilemma a lot of small business owners encounter.
We’ve been impressed with Hillary Thomas, LCSW, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently work with teens and adults of all genders coming to therapy for a variety of reasons, including anxiety and depression, exploring sexual orientation and gender identity, creative professionals, young adults struggling with career/transitions/identity, and/or anyone with a preference to be seen by a queer/bisexual therapist.
I’m also trained in attachment-focused EMDR
I’m working on developing other offerings in addition to therapy – such as art therapy activities, guest speaker presentations, etc.I work from an attachment/relational lens in order to help you feel more connected to yourself and better connect with others.
I used to think what made a good therapist was if they were somehow “masterful” or “wise,” and I don’t believe that anymore. I think one of the best qualities to look for in a therapist is someone who displays compassion and humanness. I’m rethinking that success isn’t necessarily about outcomes but about how safe I can make someone feel — because that’s where the real vulnerability and healing can happen. I think I do that well as a therapist.
Contact Info:
- Website: hillarythomaslcsw.com
- Instagram: hillarylcsw
