Who We Are

Thomas Pickens, MA, CADC

Thomas Pickens, MA, CADC

“Are you looking for peace, a way to interact with and experience life regardless of what it presents to you?” I have been working with people for over three decades to understand balance and moderation in all areas of their lives. I am goal-oriented, get to the point, and work with you to offer real-life solutions, instead of staying stuck in the past. Yes, I’m compassionate and gently curious too, but I like to get down to nitty-gritty and get you feeling better ASAP. I think that each of us have to find our own path in life and decide for ourselves what goals to pursue.

I grew up on a farm and learned to depend on myself at an early age and help others to develop more understanding of what self reliance is and isn’t and how to develop those skills for themselves. I enjoy live music and collect recordings. I find lyrics help me understand how others view the world and often help me clarify my own feelings. I am constantly studying the newest research in counseling, mindfulness, and neurobiology.

I am described by others as direct and to the point (sometimes called blunt) but then they discover that underneath I’m compassionate, caring, and really working hard for your benefit. I realized years ago that I needed to learn what I wanted and how to get it.

Examples of my training and experience:

  • Over 30 years experience in substance abuse treatment, working in all levels of treatment (assessment/intake, detox, residential, & outpatient)
  • Degrees in philosophy, psychology, and counseling
  • Specialized training in gambling and process addictions
  • Trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • Trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
  • Certified Mindfulness Instructor

Tom is currently leading our Mindful Anger Management Group. For more information about this group, click HERE.