Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn C. Thompson
Shawn C., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I would say my story has a lot to do with why I became a therapist and eventually the owner of my own private practice. I grew up in an environment where there was need for community and understanding as I was very much the black sheep. I felt different from everyone around me as I was also of mixed race (Black and Hispanic) along with finding myself as an LGBT person. These things were very isolating during the time period I grew up in and so because I wished to be understood, I studied Psychology to learn more about myself, my feelings and how my environment impacted the way I presently interpret and respond to things. This skill became something I was able to hone through getting my Masters Degree in Community Mental Health and is now what I pride my practice on. Pluto’s slogan is “Transforming minds one client at a time” and I truly believe that wellness is an eventual transformation, one that can only be done if the client is able to learn about themselves enough to change the behaviors they don’t like or create behaviors they want to see more of. Growing up around certain influences that gave me knowledge of natural remedies and self-awareness through planetary information also makes the journey more fun and worthwhile. I blend my knowledge of these different artistic expressions and hobbies to assist clients with an even better understanding of themselves and am always open to new artistic ways of releasing old habits, baggage and trauma.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey toward becoming a private practice owner at 32 years old was definitely not an easy road. When people say that others only see the end result, I can agree as I spent many sleepless nights behind the scenes studying for exams, hours upon hours working to receive my internship certification and also had to survive the ups and downs of my personal life and learning the ropes in terms of business. I have previously worked at several group start-ups owned by other successful mental health professionals and have seen and been apart of how the process was done, from picking out the color of the lobby room floor to creating safety policies. The daily grind and attempts at implementing a grounded approach to expansive ideas. Being just as willing to fail in public as you are to shine in public. Despite my path not being an easy road, I see it as giving me the creative toolbelt to help my clients and others who find themselves up against similar obstacles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pluto Psychological Services is a private practice that assists with mental health wellness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been active within the community for almost 5 and a half years. I have experience working with people of all age groups, genders and nationalities but specialize in helping those that are People of Color or in the LGBTQIA+ community, although I can always help with general mental health wellness as well. I use Client Centered Therapy which places a non-judgmental approach above everything else. I understand life happens and am in no place to judge, only to help you transform the parts of your life you wish to change. The best thing about my practice is that it is virtual and live in several different states, Texas, Nevada and Colorado. I also except several types of insurances that can make therapy affordable and easy to manage as a long-term self-care tool. Along with traditional therapy, I have knowledge of other artistic nuances that serve to be healing for some as well.
How do you think about happiness?
Jogging and working out is something that makes me happy. I would say this because I enjoy being able to burn off some steam at the gym and let out my frustrations in a healthy way. I’ve also always enjoyed studying how certain foods can add or take away from the body’s healthiness, along with foods that can assist with the healing process. Having a nice outdoor path to go for a run compares to giving candy to a baby if you’d have asked me. It helps me improve my mindfulness as well.
Pricing:
- Self-Pay – (100 per session)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/shawn-c-thompson-allen-tx/1089461?msockid=082a662202ea6e39278172cb03cf6f72
- Other: https://www.zocdoc.com/professional/shawn-thompson-lpc-504272
