"As someone who has provided clinical care for over 20 years, I recognize how difficult it can be to make the decision to enter therapy; let me be the first to welcome and congratulate you, as you take your first step in what will be a life changing journey."
Curtis Thornton is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Curtis specializes in providing therapy to individuals attempting to overcome challenges related to substance use and/or mental health disorders. The areas he has treated include, but are not limited to, relapse prevention, symptom management, enhancing self-esteem, relationship building, building a strong family structure, and recognizing and coping with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. While the goals vary based on the individual, one constant is shared by all: the client directs the course of care, and they choose the desired outcome. Things that people experience shape their lives, some for the better and others sending them down a path for which they were unprepared and need assistance in overcoming. Whether it be illness, substance use, family issues, relationship challenges, difficulty expressing emotions, or any other challenge, hope is possible.
Curtis completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) at Eastern Michigan University. He is a Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CAADC) and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Prior to earning his MSW, Curtis provided direct care and education to individuals with substance use disorders and/or diagnosed mental health conditions. In this capacity, he was able to work with individuals in overcoming symptoms that had negatively impacted their lives. This phase of Curtis’s career solidified his belief that all individuals need to be treated with love and care, in a way that focuses on the uniqueness of the person and allows them the opportunity to live the life they envision. Curtis knew from the moment he graduated that his dream was to provide therapeutic services to individuals who felt "lost", "hopeless", or whose lives were not being lived in a way that represented their authentic self.
As a therapist, Curtis works with you to look at the big picture of what is occurring in your life. Taking a look at thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and expectations allows you to see what has worked, what has not worked, and what could work with modification. Curtis is well trained in recognizing ways in which we block change, and he has an expertise in overcoming these blocks. He is able to pull from numerous therapeutic models, as together you create a plan to address your specific needs. Curtis believes that therapy works best when you work as a team in moving you towards your goals. He also believes that all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. All individuals have an inner strength that allows them to overcome the obstacles that hold them back from reaching their goals. Curtis will assist you in finding or utilizing this inner strength throughout your course of care. If you are looking for a therapist who is empathetic, compassionate and able to see you beyond the challenges that led to therapy, Curtis could be the therapist for you. Whether you select him or not, congratulations on starting this journey of change.