N Athena Thompson

Athena Thompson, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselorwho holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental HealthCounseling from Southern Oregon University. She is a NationallyCertified Counselor and has extensive training in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).Athena has served individuals and families as therapist in psychiatricday treatment, outpatient, school-based, and residential program settings. She employs psychodynamic, trauma-informed, strengths-based and client-centered perspectives to assist clients with removing the barriers that stand in the way of effectively coping with life stressors and events,making and maintaining healthy relationships, and positive behavior change. She employs modalities such as DBT-informed therapy,  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, EMDR, psychoeducation, and creative therapy to address issues such as anxiety, trauma and loss, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. 

Athena believes that effective counseling addresses the body, mind, and spirit, and thus she recognizes the importance of spiritual issues in counseling practice. Since psychotherapy can help clients gain insight into how their core beliefs and values influence behavioral and relational patterns, she offers faith-based and values-driven counseling for clients whom hold personal spirituality as a source of meaning and purpose.  Athena served for two years on the Board of Directors for Hearts With A Mission —the only local shelter serving homeless youth; and also served as therapist for Redemption Ridge, a non-profit residential program for young women whom were rescued from, or at risk for, sex trafficking.