Irene Thompson, LMHC

Hi, I’m Irene Thompson and I’m looking forward to getting to know you.  I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with couples, families and individuals struggling with relationship issues, trauma, and addiction. My work as a therapist began in 2014 working at a residential facility, where men and women had been given the option by the courts of attending a 12-to-18-month long substance abuse in-patient program or going to jail.  While there, I learned a great deal about addiction and the link between substance abuse and early childhood trauma and adverse events.  Working in the in-patient setting allows you to get to know your clients and their families intimately.  It also taught me the importance of building trust and being a stalwart flag-bearer of hope for your clients.  Following this, I began private practice as a relationship therapist and also managed military family programs at MacDill Air Force Base while developing a private practice working primarily with couples and families.

Couples and Family Therapy

I am trained in all three levels of The Gottman Method, a research-based couple’s therapy approach developed by world-renowned relationship experts, Doctors John and Julie Gottman - who have studied couples for 5 decades.  The Gottman method provides an evidence-based framework focusing on strengthening relationships by improving communication, increasing emotional connection, and learning to manage conflict in healthy ways.  Using the Gottman method, I am able to help couples understand one another more deeply; allowing them to effectively support each other while building a loving future together.  Whether you’ve experienced a crisis in your relationship or just want to learn skills to deepen your connection and stop fighting, I can help you relate to each other, so you feel seen, heard and connected.  I’m always on the side of the relationship and will work with you to build a path to a brighter future.  Together, we can build a trusting environment for your relationship to thrive. 

I also work with families to build understanding, trust, and improve communication.  By understanding their negative patterns and learning new ones, families can reduce conflict and misunderstanding. Allowing them to enjoy one another as families are meant to do.     

My Style

While my primary training is in the Gottman Method, I incorporate other evidence-based therapies based on your needs and goals, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution Focused Therapy, Family and Systemic Therapy, and Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy.  Each of us has our own perspectives on life, relationships and goals.  Often, we come to therapy not understanding how these perspectives may be limiting our capacity to have healthier relationships, with others as well as ourselves.  My goal is to help you see things from a new perspective so you can make meaningful positive changes in your life.   

A Little About Me

Following 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, I pursued my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University in Tampa.  I have 2 adult children and a granddaughter who keep me busy and grounded.  Riding my bike, practicing yoga, creating art and baking forms of mental health self-care for me.  I enjoy most outdoor activities and love our warm Florida weather.  I also enjoy socializing with long-time friends and meeting new ones.  I look forward to getting to know you and learning about your experiences as well as collaborating on ways to enhance your wellbeing so you can enjoy your best life!