Who is RJ Thomas?

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I earned my Masters Degree with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. I have extensive post-graduate training in family therapy and couples counseling. In addition, I have done post-graduate training in crisis intervention, working with adolescents and assessment and diagnosis. I am very comfortable working with high conflict situation. 

As a father and husband I have personal experience raising children and know what it’s like to work hard on a good relationship.

Prior to becoming a therapist I had extensive experience running a business and understand the forces and pressures that come with professional life. In addition I have spent the last 6 years volunteering as a leader in a youth program working with kids from 7 to 18-years-old. This experience has given me a glimpse into their lives and the issues they face that I could not have gotten anywhere else. 

I have had high level training in leadership skills and believe these help me to connect with people on all levels and allow to me to help others succeed. 

In my personal life I am passionate about photography, the outdoors, sailing, surfing and ice hockey. I have also trained and served for 12 years as a scout leader mentoring and guiding young people through outdoor adventures, skill-building activities, and community service, helping them develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, and life skills that foster personal growth and responsibility. Click here to read more about why serving as a scout leader enhances my therapeutic skills.

TRAINING:

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

Structural Family Therapy

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Crisis Intervention

Assessment and Diagnosis

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists  (CAMFT), Served on Board of Directors for Long Beach-South Bay Chapter

Psy Chi: National Honor Society in Psychology

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

A Better Divorce, Regional practice group promoting respect and helping individuals maintain control of their process whiling staying out of court.