Therapist Spotlight: The Healing Power of EMDR with Rich Thomas

To book an appointment with Rich Thomas, please contact him at Sylvie Point Counseling. 

Can you share a bit about your journey into becoming a therapist? What inspired you to pursue this profession?

From a young age, I’ve always considered myself empathetic, compassionate, and understanding. I loved helping and connecting with others. When I started college, I became fascinated with psychology. After completing a career assessment, I realized I had strengths and interests in this field. This led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later a master’s in mental health counseling. During this time, I also started therapy, which helped me navigate life, process my experiences, learn coping strategies, and gain introspection. This only solidified my desire to help others, and I felt like I had found my purpose in life.

How would you describe your therapeutic approach or style? What sets it apart from others?

In my therapeutic approach, I treat each client as the expert of their own experiences. I guide them with empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. My specialization is in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an evidence-based approach to processing trauma or adverse life events. I have undergone extensive training and consultation to become EMDR-certified, and I am currently an EMDR consultant-in-training, teaching other clinicians how to utilize this therapy. I strongly believe that EMDR addresses the root causes of mental health concerns, alleviating stressors, triggers, and symptoms from the past, present, and future.

What populations or specific issues do you specialize in treating, and why did you choose to focus on those?

I specialize in working with adults, treating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Trauma often underlies many mental health issues, and I find it rewarding to help people address and work through these root causes. The impact of trauma can be long-lasting, and I’m grateful to witness how EMDR therapy facilitates healing and reduces its effects. Additionally, I have a particular interest in working with men. As a male therapist, I understand the challenges men face in seeking help, and I strive to reduce the stigma associated with men seeking counseling.

Can you share a particularly challenging case you've worked on and how you navigated it? What did you learn from that experience?

In over a decade of practice, I’ve encountered many challenges while working with diverse populations and settings. One recent case stands out. I initially doubted the effectiveness of EMDR for a particular client due to their mistrust of therapy. However, after building rapport and beginning EMDR, the client rebuilt their trust in therapy and found relief from past traumas. Even they were surprised by EMDR’s effectiveness. This experience reminded me that, despite my initial concerns, therapy can bring significant change and healing, no matter the background or experiences of the client.

How do you incorporate cultural sensitivity and diversity into your practice?

As a professional counselor, I take my ethical responsibility seriously to approach clients with dignity, respect, and a deep understanding of their cultural identity. I constantly reflect on my biases and assumptions to ensure I’m providing fair and equitable treatment. I encourage my clients to educate me about their unique backgrounds and perspectives so I can better support and respect their experiences. I also actively seek ongoing consultation and education to better understand and support the diverse identities of my clients.

What do you believe is the most crucial factor in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance with your clients?

I believe the most important factor in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance is meeting clients where they are and understanding their experiences. I make it a priority to ask for feedback often and reflect on our relationship throughout the counseling journey. Research shows that the therapeutic alliance is the most critical factor in promoting positive outcomes. I value my clients' feedback and work to improve our relationship where needed. If we’re not a good match, I am open to referring clients to another provider.

How do you stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field of therapy?

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and EMDR-certified therapist, I am committed to advanced training and continual education. One of the best aspects of being a therapist is the constant opportunity for learning and growth. I regularly engage with research, training, and reading on topics related to counseling and EMDR to develop new skills and techniques that enhance my practice.

Can you share a success story from your practice that you're particularly proud of?

One success story involved a client who struggled with anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Through EMDR therapy, we addressed their past, present, and future concerns, significantly reducing anxiety and negative behaviors. Now, the client is pursuing graduate school, experiencing little to no anxiety, and consistently engaging in a healthy self-care routine. They’ve also rebuilt family relationships and expanded their social support system. We now meet every 6-8 weeks for ongoing support and to address any new symptoms or stressors.

How do you approach self-care and prevent burnout as a therapist?

For me, self-care involves ongoing therapy. As a therapist, I believe it’s crucial to continue addressing my own experiences and growing mentally. Outside of therapy, nature is my main outlet. I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Movement is essential for my self-care, and I focus on a routine that supports my mental, social, spiritual, and professional wellness.

What are some common misconceptions people have about therapy, and how do you address them in your practice?

One common misconception is that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or that it means something is "wrong" with the person. I work to dispel these beliefs by educating my clients about the stigma surrounding therapy and encouraging them to see it as a positive step toward growth. I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy if they find the right therapist and approach that works for them. With modern psychotherapy offering a variety of modalities and techniques, there is something for everyone—it may just take a bit of exploration.

Can you describe a moment where you witnessed significant growth or a breakthrough in one of your clients? What contributed to that transformation?

I’ve witnessed numerous breakthroughs through EMDR therapy, which is why I specialize in it. Whether the trauma stems from abuse or a car accident, EMDR helps the brain process and heal from difficult experiences. I’ve seen clients achieve rapid growth and insight through EMDR. Some clients are amazed by how processing and reprocessing past traumas can lead to such significant healing.

How do you create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore difficult emotions and experiences? What qualities should a therapist possess, and how do you embody those qualities in your practice?

My primary focus is always on the therapeutic relationship. I create a safe, supportive environment by responding to my clients’ emotions with openness, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard. This allows them to explore difficult emotions without fear of judgment. I believe the most important qualities a therapist should have are empathy, openness, and congruence. I strive to embody these qualities, helping my clients feel safe enough to explore their emotions and experiences.

How do you measure progress or success in therapy, and how do you ensure your clients feel empowered throughout the process?

EMDR therapy follows a structured protocol, which allows me to track progress with clients. We continually assess symptom and trigger reduction as we reprocess and desensitize traumas. I ensure clients feel empowered by regularly asking for feedback and encouraging open communication about their experiences. Frequent discussions help maintain a sense of empowerment and collaboration throughout therapy.