Christopher Thompson, Ph.D., L.P.C., A.C.S.
Mental Health Counselor
he/him
I’m a licensed therapist who is passionate about working with folks who feel misunderstood, judged, or have been marginalized at work, in their family, relationships, and community. Structural barriers that impede us from our goals, or cultural norms we don’t neatly conform to can negatively impact how we see ourselves and others. I help individuals draw from their own strengths and sources of resiliency, to feel safe and connected to important people in their lives and make decisions that align with their values. In that vein, my work reflects a strong multicultural, social justice emphasis consistent with my values growing up in culturally diverse, working-class neighborhoods.
My own experiences with social and economic hardship shaped my path to becoming a therapist. In treatment, I was afforded an affirming space to connect with my emotions and take pride in who I was. This informed my decision-making in ways that gave me the agency to overcome adversities.
Clinical Experience
I’m a licensed psychotherapist who has 8 years of clinical experience, working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, across the lifespan. I am currently completing my pre-doctoral training at the New Jersey VA Medical Center. At the VA, I received specialized training in evidenced-based treatments for PTSD, chronic pain, insomnia, anger management, suicide risk assessment and safety planning, and emotionally-focused couples therapy. My prior clinical experience includes working in community mental health, group practice, primary care, corrections, college counseling, and inpatient and outpatient substance use settings. I draw primarily from trauma-informed, evidence-based relational psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approaches to meet clients’ specific needs. When working with couples, I use an emotionally-focused therapy approach. My training and clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families dealing with trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, grief, and other responses to distress.
Education
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology Seton Hall University, New Jersey
M.A./Ed.S. Professional Counseling Seton Hall University, New Jersey
B.A. Psychology Rutgers University, New Jersey
Credentials
Professional Licensure #37PC00701500