Thomas Tsakounis, Mental Health Counselor in Bethesda, 20814

Thomas Tsakounis, MS, LGPC, NCC, DCC, RH(AHG)

Profession(s):
Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LGPC - LGP3214

My Approach to Helping

We are called to a unique journey which we call life. As we travel along the path of our individual journeys we encounter crossroads that challenge us and help us grow to become the individuals we know ourselves to be. Occasionally we are presented with situations that may seem daunting. These may be the times you simply need a light in the darkness. Perhaps I can help to illuminate those choices, through your own emerging process. I work with Individuals, Couples, Adolescents & those with Sexual Identity Issues.

Sexual identity issues can be confusing and overwhelming for adults and at times even more so for adolescents. I invite and welcome those struggling with these issues to contact me. I offer a safe, supportive and confidential environment for us to explore those issues.

My way of knowing a client is often different from my way of understanding a client both of which are different from the way I intervene. I consider myself eclectic in my approach although I have been influenced by Alfred Adler thereby lending a strong Adlerian influence to my work.

I invite you to contact me so we can further explore your needs.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I would like to take this opportunity to invite those individuals struggling with sexual identity issues and/or L.G.B.T. issues to consider allowing me to join you on your journey to health and well being. Over the years I have had a great deal of experience working in the L.G.B.T. community. I have learned that while it may be difficult for adults struggling with sexual identity and/or L.G.B.T. issues, it is even more so challenging for adolescents. Acceptance, understanding and acculturation are just a few of the key issues that members of the L.G.B.T. community need to navigate and sometimes this navigation can be lonely, frustrating and confusing. In my opinion, connecting with someone that understands this is vital to one's emerging process. I offer my clients a safe and non-judgmental environment in which to safely explore and understand the emerging you!

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

In our fast-paced, high-tech world I believe we are starting to lose some of the pieces that connect us as human beings. While I marvel and embrace technology, I find it crucial to maintain some of the more traditional parts of the human connections we so vitally need and crave. I love being a therapist because I am allowed to create a safe, holding environment that fosters deep human connections. I am honored and humbled at the relationships I have with my clients. I consider it a privilege to earn their trust and I take very seriously the mission of providing a nurturing and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore and understand themselves. I am astonished at how the simple act of listening attentively can be so healing. I believe that the learning process didn't stop for me when I received my degrees and license but has only just begun. I am grateful to my clients for all that they teach me about courage, strength and perseverance.

Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work

I credit the work of Alfred Adler as having the biggest influence on me as a therapist. Amongst Adler's many contributions to the field of Psychology, I have gleaned much particularly in the areas of "belonging" and "social interest" I believe, like Adler, that we all seek to belong. It is an innate part of who we are as human beings. We search for that sense of belonging throughout our life, starting with a primary caregiver followed by belonging to a family, a circle of friends, school mates, co-workers, colleagues, a significant other, etc. As part of this sense of belonging we are intrinsically motivated to take interest in those around us...which is a healthy piece of the equation. When these connections start to slip or fade away and we lose these connections we start to feel disconnected and out of sorts with ourselves. Some people utilize counseling to re-focus and re-connect, others are lead to counseling through other venues and some turn to counseling as a last resort, no matter what the reason, approaching a client from a holistic point of view is crucial and Adler genuinely believed this and offers tools that are consistent with my own person philosophy about counseling and help me accomplish these goals.

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

Sexual identity issues can be confusing and overwhelming for adults and at times even more so for adolescents. I invite and welcome those struggling with these issues to contact me. I offer a safe, supportive and confidential environment for us to explore those issues.