My Approach
Having a good connection with your therapist is pretty important. In fact, choosing the right therapist may be the single most important factor in realizing change. When working with me, you can expect that I will really listen to your story and honor your perspective; after all, what you have to say is the priority here.
However, sometimes I will ask you questions for better clarity and understanding, because it’s important that I truly understand you.
I tend to work well with people who:
- Are naturally curious and interested in understanding themselves and others.
- Prefer a collaborative approach versus an authoritarian one.
- Are sensitive and empathetic.
- Don’t fit in with the mainstream, and are “outside the box” thinkers and feelers.
And I specialize in the following:
I don’t have an agenda and I don’t offer “advice”. I believe that you have the innate capacity to forge your own path, and that allowing the therapeutic process to unfold naturally and at your direction yields the best and most permanent results.
As such, my role is to facilitate and support you in your journey, enabling a greater sense of independence and self-sufficiency on your part, and providing you with the sense of accomplishment, ownership, and responsibility that comes with all earned rewards.
Tired of “quick fix” approaches that don’t result in lasting change?
My style of therapy emphasizes addressing the underlying emotional roots of our behavior, and combines several approaches:
Psychodynamic / Modern Psychoanalytic
I am primarily grounded in modern psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory, including attachment theory, which aims to understand the often hidden roots of our problems so that we can learn to move beyond these old, unhelpful patterns and develop newer ones that lead to lasting fulfillment. Individuals who are willing to take this journey ultimately discover that they are not as helpless and chained to the past as they thought, and that with some work, changing old habits and behaviors is well within their grasp.
Humanistic / Existential
I am also influenced by humanistic psychology, which emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, as well as our basic innate goodness and natural tendency toward healing.
Contemplative Psychotherapy
Finally, I incorporate contemplative psychotherapy into my practice, which integrates Buddhist philosophy and psychology with modern Western psychological principles, and which emphasizes mindfulness and self-compassion.
Tom Adams, LCMHC
Online Therapist in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as an Expatriate Consultant
As a former school teacher and university instructor, I have always had a passion for helping others. I’ve found that being dedicated to ongoing training and clinical supervision, and a strong grounding in personal and professional ethics, greatly help in this regard.
In addition to a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University, I hold a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) license in the State of North Carolina and I am a registered telehealth provider in the State of Florida.
I have extensive training in modern psychoanalysis, and continue to increase my knowledge through regular, ongoing education. I also have training in relational trauma, Highly Sensitive People, grief therapy, and contemplative psychotherapy. Equally important, I am a lifelong learner who is dedicated to helping others make lasting changes in their lives and become the architects of their own success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, therapy can be the impetus for tremendous personal growth and healing, and the research is clear on this.
It depends on many factors, but research indicates that the benefits of therapy are more permanent as the length of treatment increases. However, the number of sessions often depends on the individual and their presenting issues. As such I recognize and appreciate the real-world limitations that often exist, and together we can create a plan that works best for you.
Yes, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, a designation only given to individuals who have completed rigorous Master’s level training, completed at least 3000 hours of supervised clinical work, passed the required examinations, and completed the ongoing training required by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. In addition, I have completed many more hours of training in modern psychoanalysis, play therapy, grief counseling, substance abuse, and other training. I am also certified to provide telehealth therapy to people in Florida and South Carolina.
The most important predictor of positive outcomes in therapy is a feeling of connection with the therapist. I work from a holistic perspective, and as such, I see clients from across the developmental spectrum struggling with a wide variety of issues. However, I do specialize in working with relational trauma, Highly Sensitive People, men’s issues, and Expat consulting. See the Specialties page for more information.
The therapeutic relationship is a special and sacred one in that you can discuss even the most private and difficult topics, in a safe and confidential environment.
Absolutely. I am bound to maintain your confidentiality, and no information is released without your consent, unless you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, report elder or child abuse, or sign a written release of information.
All sessions are 50 minutes long.
$150 per session
Absolutely. I happily work with clients of all sexual identities and orientations, and I strongly advocate your fundamental right to embrace and express your individuality.
Yes. A limited number of sliding scale fee slots are available for those experiencing financial strain. Payment details can be discussed in person.
I currently accept payment through IVY Pay, a HIPPA-compliant credit card/HSA card management system designed specifically for therapists. This process is simple, secure, and private.
If you need to cancel, please provide at least 48 hours notice. If you do not show up for an appointment, or fail to give at least 48 hours notice, you will be charged the full amount for the session (not just the copay).
Call or email to arrange an appointment. See the Contact page for details.