Thomas Tsakounis, Mental Health Counselor in Silver Spring, 20901

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

Profession(s):
Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LCPC - LC4577

My Approach to Helping

Are you gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning your sexuality? My name is Thomas Tsakounis and I'm a therapist who specializes in helping members of the LGBTQ community as they work through and deal with a wide range of sexual identity issues. Uncertainty and confusion in this area of life can lead to serious mental and emotional distress. I guide my clients through the process of exploring, understanding and accepting their sexuality. I work hard to offer a safe, supportive and confidential environment for all clients, as I understand how distressing these issues can be.

Individuals of all ages can suffer from uncertainty and confusion concerning their sexual identity - teens, young adults, mature adults and even couples. Self-exploration and self-acceptance are vital steps toward maintaining healthy relationships and achieving overall happiness. I work to support and guide clients through this difficult process.

As we travel along the path of life, we often encounter crossroads that challenge us and spur growth. As a counselor, I will help you work through sexual identity issues and other life challenges. You don't need to go through this experience alone. Allow me to help.

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.