Today we’d like to introduce you to Adelle Thomas.
Hi Adelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in a small community ran by cult leaders nestled in the beautiful bitterroot valley of northern Montana. I was surrounded by forests, streams and mountains . This was a haven for me that I would run to for a break from stressors in life. I felt like a little wood sprite or pixie- barefoot and feral; at home among the trees. My grandmother was my primary caregiver and would scold me for having pine sap in my hair. She could always tell when I had been sitting in her Tigerlily garden because the brown pollen would stain my clothing. In many ways this setting was ideal and dream like. In other ways it was like a terrible nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. I got to experience both extremes.
Early circumstances created a pattern in my development of relationships that is referred to as reactive attachment. I did not trust others and had difficulty maintaining connections over time; especially with adults in my life. I quickly learned that there are multiple sides to a person and that things are often not as they are presented. Later, I moved to Utah with my mother and 6 siblings. We were not part of the predominant religion. We had to quickly learn how to acclimate and lived somewhat of a double life; not quite fitting in either world- one foot in the local community and the other still deeply involved in the religion I was born into but did not align with. I found reprieve in dance. Though I am not sure I had much natural talent, I believe I made up for that with passion and drive. I had to work a lot harder than those it came natural to. I found this to be a beautiful form of expression and a space where I could be free. Dance became an escape and coping strategy that got me through many difficult experiences.
In Graduate school I learned about attachment theory. I learned about this “earned secure” style of attachment. I was inspired to know that regardless of our history we can learn how to have safe and healthy connections that do not come at the cost of ourselves. I was already in the field of psychology but this really lit the fire for me in knowing what I wanted to specialize in. In my own healing journey I was able to learn the steps of how to create these kinds of relationships. Experiencing this for myself I knew it really was possible. This made me all the more passionate about holding space and helping others learn how to have these kinds of relationships too. the first ten years in the field I worked primarily with children and teens in various settings. Everything from residential, intensive outpatient, in the court systems (such as NJOS, JJS, DCFS, group homes, proctor or foster care) and general outpatient treatment settings. I love working with this population and enjoy facilitating their evolution as they navigate that transition from childhood to adulthood. I continued on to get specialized training working with adults and couples as well. It is very rewarding to see the healing and growth that happens individually and in relationships.
I currently work in private practice but my long term vision is to collaborate with a team of skilled professionals to create a community based practice. This practice would be rooted in integrative and trauma informed care. This space would offer diverse therapeutic modalities that honor the connection between body, mind, and spirit- including dance and movement therapy, trauma informed yoga and tai-chi, somatic experiencing, expressive arts, theatre, nature-based healing, animal assisted therapy, wilderness experiences and eastern medicine practices as complementary tools to the healing process.
There is a well known saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I believe we need that village throughout our whole lifespan- a supportive and safe community where we can heal, grow, and thrive. It is our responsibility to both become the safe presence for others and to seek out or co-create the environments that embody safety, connection, and collective care. Such a village is not only possible- it already exists in some ways, and we have the capacity to build and nurture it. This is my passion and my goal. 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I experienced teen homelessness, was involved with the DCFS system, and had to fight to stay in school and be able to finish my high school education. I also had a near death experience that set me back a bit. That road to recovery taught me hard earned lessons and helped me to build the resilience I would need to face later challenges. It also helped me to develop the confidence to know that I can do hard things and am not as intimidated by obstacles. I believe we can achieve whatever we set our mind to. If we have the passion and drive we can figure out the rest along the way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Therapeutic Alliance is currently a private practice that offers mental health services to teens and adults.
I have specialized expertise in complex, developmental, relational and situational trauma. I also have specialized training in structural dissociation and practices- such as NLP and Lifespan Integration to help reset the nervous system, rewire the brain, and integrate a cohesive life narrative. I am a certified advanced clinical hypnotherapist. I like to use these skills along with ART, EMDR, Brainspotting and Somatic Experiencing when doing trauma work.
I have been involved in humanitarian work and service both locally and internationally from the amazon and the jungles in the Vietnam to projects in my own neighborhood. I ran a free women’s empowerment and support group for the local community for three years. I also have involvement in some non profit organizations that offer services for first responders, dealing with acute stress and have been on panels that offer services, like exit counseling, for those trying to get out of cultish situations and recover from religious trauma. I have done a lot of research on different after school programs and community outreach organizations. I like to find opportunities to incorporate service and humanitarian work in my practice.
I aim to deliver highly skilled, specialized, research validated and trauma informed care that supports the full integration and actualization of a secure attachment to both self and others, while thoughtfully incorporating complementary therapeutic modalities to enhance the healing process. This is why I have the name Therapeutic Alliance.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say to take time to identify what you are seeking in a mentor so you can connect with someone aligned with your intentions, values and goals. Reach out to people that you admire and are already doing what you would like to be doing. When building relationships be curious, ask thoughtful questions and be genuine in sharing yourself instead of trying to fit an image or “play the part”. Relationships take time and investment to build. By getting involved in your community, attending trainings or conferences, and investing in your growth you will find people who are on a similar journey and share your values and vision. This creates opportunities for more mutual support and collaboration.
I have made some very meaningful relationships through my involvement in various organizations. This has opened doors for me to contribute my skills and expertise while also learning from the strengths of others. This has also created lasting friendships and added to “my tribe” as I create my own village.
This requires:
*putting yourself out there and stepping outside of your comfort zone,
*be willing to challenge your current ideas of how the world works and consider a new perspective.
*Talk to people you would initially think you don’t have anything in common with, only to find out you are much more alike than you are different.
*Ask questions- be curious- and admit when you don’t have enough information or need more support as you are mastering a new skill
*Be picky about where you invest your time and energy. It’s okay to say no to things that are not in alignment. Not everyone is for you and you are not for everyone.
*Trust that if you put in the work and are open- you will find what you need and don’t need to settle for less than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therapeuticallianceutah.com
