Thomas Pfister

Thomas Pfister, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), clinical substance abuse counselor (CSAC), and board-certified telemental health provider (BC-TMH), blends the teachings of Catholicism with therapeutic practice, offering clients a compassionate, faith-centered approach to mental health care. With a deep understanding of human suffering and a commitment to healing, Thomas’s work is grounded in the belief that mental well-being and spiritual growth go together. Background and Education: Thomas earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University, where he was drawn to the mission of integrating faith into his clinical practice. He later specialized in Thomistic psychology, the application of the philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas to counseling psychology, and has completed advanced training in both couples therapy through the Gottman Relationship Institute and EMDR through Mind Works Professional Education. Therapeutic Approach: His therapeutic approach is grounded in Thomistic Psychology and emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life. He believes in the potential for growth and healing that each person holds—through God’s infinite love and providence—regardless of their struggles. In his practice, Thomas integrates traditional therapeutic techniques—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)—with the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas and the moral teachings of the Catholic faith. Thomas also emphasizes the significance of the moral life in psychological healing. By rooting his approach in Catholic teachings and traditions on topics like grace, sin, forgiveness, virtue, and the universal call to holiness, he guides his clients through challenges with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding. This dual approach offers clients both psychological tools and spiritual resources to work through challenges like anxiety, depression, family and marital conflicts, and grief. Thomas often incorporates prayer, Scriptural and other spiritual reading, and the frequenting of the Sacraments into his therapy, allowing his clients to explore how their faith can offer guidance and comfort in their healing journey. He also works with individuals who may be struggling to reconcile their faith with their mental health challenges, helping them navigate the tension between emotional pain and spiritual growth. Faith and Practice: As a therapist, Thomas provides a safe and open space for clients to discuss their spiritual lives. He regularly invites clients to reflect on their relationship with God, as His beloved sons and daughters, and encourages them to bring their faith into their therapy sessions. Whether it's guiding someone through the grief process, helping a client find forgiveness, or supporting a person through personal challenges, Thomas utilizes the teachings of the Catholic Church, Tradition, and the wisdom of the saints to deepen the therapeutic experience. Thomas himself is currently going through the discernment and formation necessary to become a Third Order Dominican. Thomas is also a regular contributor to the Messenger of Saint Anthony online and print magazine, published by the Conventual Franciscan friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Italy, providing pastoral counseling advice. His articles can be viewed at www.messengersaintanthony.com. Contact Information: Thomas offers counseling and coaching exclusively via telehealth. To schedule a session, visit his website (www.mostsorrowfulmothercounseling.com), where you can both schedule a session and find more information about his practice.