REAL SOLUTIONS
Teaching you the solutions to be your own self-help counselor for life.
Dr. David L. Thomas, LMHC
Dr. Thomas has been certified as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida since 1986.
He has worked extensively as a psychotherapist/counsellor for those suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, anger/rage, low self-esteem, and more.
Dr. Thomas also works with numerous couples seeking to solve relationship problems and find answers to a better marriage/relationships. Dr. Thomas also has a wealth of experience in stress reducing methods, parenting, family counselling, and grief and loss.
In addition, he has worked in the area of alcohol and substance abuse and treatment, including various county and state agencies as well as and has developed treatment protocols for hospitals and clinics. Dr. Thomas is credited with bringing alternative substance abuse services to the Tampa Bay area.
Dr. Thomas conducts group workshops, and holds one-on-one counseling sessions. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Education, graduating in 1987 from the University of South Florida.
Dr. Thomas's counselling approach provides real solutions: short-term therapy with the knowledge to be your own self-help counsellor for life. He has helped thousands of people throughout the Tampa Bay area and can help you too.
What is counseling? Can it benefit you?
Showing others how to be happy is what I do. Whether it’s marriage counseling that puts the love back in relationships, or counseling for depression, anger management, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and more, Dr. Thomas is here and ready to help face to face and through teletherapy.
Since 1986, I have helped thousands of people in the Tampa Bay area get their lives back on track, overcome their obstacles, and experience a level of previously un-experienced happiness.
I work with you to map out a plan to help you right now, and a long-term course of action. My methods don't take months to take hold and once you learn them you become your own self-help therapist for life.
Counseling has a bad rap. It's not that movie and TV writers want to blatantly mis-portray what counselling is and is not, it's just that the real deal does not make box office tickets fly and TV viewers tune in. TV series like The Soprano's and The Bob Newhart Show, among others, have contributed to the stigma. Often times they show the client doing all the talking while the counselor says little, or it's the opposite and the therapist does all the talking and the client says little.
They give the (wrong) impression that talk therapy (talk-thru therapy, or in the field known as Cognitive Behavorial Therapy--CBT) is where one talks and the other listens. That's not how it works in real life. Counseling is a participatory process. Without knowing what's truly happening with you, the counselor can't help you with the best solutions. If the counselor is highly qualified, but does not communicate well, and is not a great "teacher," then the client is short-changed on how to solve all of their issues.
Dr. Thomas is a meticulous listener and has a unique style and manner of communicating with you. He provides tools to help you to not only feel better today, but to get better.
No couch, he doesn't obsess about your past relationships with your mother or father, ho doesn't just say "uh-huh" a lot. Those psychologist typecasts are the makings of Hollywood. Sometimes it's best to talk things through with someone who is objective and can give you professional advice and guidance. That's where counseling comes in.
Counseling is an educational process the very definition of the word is “to give advice; to advise.” Dr. Thomas practices "talk-therapy," also known as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), specifically Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), the pioneering form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy developed by Dr. Albert Ellis in 1955.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a counselling or therapy session like (and is there a difference between psychotherapy and counselling)?
A counselling session is not unlike one-on-one tutoring. Therapy is an educational process where you are the student and the therapist is the teacher.
The first session will involve some inquiries so that the counselor can learn best how to help you. Then it becomes an interactive process, where the counsellor provides you with specific "lessons" that give you the knowledge to overcome your problems.
Although therapy, psychotherapy, and counselling are often used interchangeably, counselling is more short-term. Therapy and psychotherapy tend to be more long-term and focuses on a broader range of issues.
How long does a therapy session last?
For individual sessions, Dr. Thomas will block off one hour; 50 minutes is for the session, and he utilizes the additional 10 to add to and clarify his session notes. Group sessions last one hour.
Is there a certain type of therapy that you practice?
Counseling is an educational process the very definition of the word is “to give advice; to advise.” I practice "talk-therapy," also known as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), specifically Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), the pioneering form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy developed by Dr. Albert Ellis in 1955.
Is psychotherapy right for me? How do I know?
If you have concerns or questions simply contact me and I will schedule a free thirty minute consult to discuss your concerns or questions either at (813) 872-8022 or my cell number, (727) 420-9137.
Do you take insurance?
While I do not accept insurance there are some plans that may cover part of your costs. Check your policy for details.
How much are your rates/fees?
Your first appointment is free. This is a 30 minute consultation with Dr. David Thomas to discuss your situation and plan a course of action. At that time I will discuss my fee options with you.
What types of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check and all major credit cards.
How do I start the process -- what do I do and what do you do?
Call or email my office at (813) 872-8022 or my cell number, (727) 420-9137. I will personally talk with you and set up an appointment for your free 30 minute consultation and talk to you about my rates.
Where are you located in Tampa?
My office is centrally located and easy to reach from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Brandon. I am in Tampa's Hyde Park District at the corner of West DeLeon Street and South Magnolia Avenue in the Edgewater Building.
Do you recommend any herbal-type treatments?
Nothing is a substitute for counseling. While there are herbal type substances that people find helpful, I recommend that people do their research before buying. These type of products are not regulated by the FDA.