Stephen Thornton, MFT Student Intern
I am a student intern from the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at Northcentral University. I am passionate about helping people navigate the challenges of their lives and grow into their best selves. In my view, good mental health involves so much more than managing an individual’s symptoms. I work from the assumption that everyone has innate strengths which can help them through any challenge. My training helps me to work with clients from a systemic lens taking into account family and relational dynamics, as well as societal expectations and past trauma, which may be contributing to your present symptoms. Therapy with me is collaborative as we work together to define and reach your goals.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business and spent many years working in the marketing industry prior to entering the field of psychology. I have a unique understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs and creative people face on a daily basis. I am LGBTQIA+ allied and in the process of becoming certified by the Center for Positive Sexuality which conducts sex-positive education and research. I also have volunteer experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at Strength United in Los Angeles.
I work with adolescents and adults on a variety of challenges including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma and PTSD, as well as navigating the challenges of divorce and blended families. My approach is evidence-based which means treatment is informed by research within the mental health field. The modalities I currently use are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and narrative therapy. I am in the process of pursuing training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma.