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7200 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 301 |
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Denver |
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CO |
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80224 |
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30-756-3340 |
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303-758-6140 |
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Approved Supervisor Jim Thomas, LMFT, studied systems work at the Colorado Institute for Marriage and the Family with master therapists Dr. Jan Raynak, M.D. and Dr. Suzanne Pope, Ph.D. He traces his family therapy roots to Dr. Salvador Minuchin with whom both Jan and Suzanne trained extensively. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Colorado at Denver, and interned while in that program with the Denver Children’s Home.
Staying at the Denver Children’s Home, Jim served as a family therapist and clinical supervisor, mentoring numerous counselors and family therapists, and as the Clinical Director for Day Treatment Services, Intensive In-Home and the After-School Program. While leading the After-School Program, Jim worked with Russ Urrutia, LCSW, to develop a Latino Family Treatment Program, involving Latino professionals from the Denver area as advisors.
As a supervisor and administrator, Jim brought family systems work, the Stage of Change Model and a strength-based approach to the outpatient services program. Later, at the Tennyson Center at the Colorado Christian Home, Jim directed the Residential Treatment Program and developed the Intensive In-Home Program as well as leading a task force that developed a Mission Statement and Core Values still used at that agency today.
Jim began building a private practice in addition to agency work in 1997. There, he added a focus on working with couples. He subsequently went into full-time private practice in Lakewood, Colorado, in 2002. Jim’s private practice is gay affirmative, and he strives to be culturally sensitive in all his work. As a supervisor in agencies, private practice and at DFI, Jim has mentored a diverse array of clinicians of color, from the GLBT community, women, various religious and spiritual faiths and clinical approaches.
In 2005, he succeeded Steve Litt, LCSW, as Executive Director of the Denver Family Institute. Jim consults or has consulted with agencies such as VIVE!, Shiloh House, Inc., Dignity, a program for adolescent females, Emerson Street School, Shining Mountain Waldorf School, Community Reach Program with Adams County Mental Health and Aurora Mental Health Corporation.
Jim’s commitment to the profession of couples and family therapy extends beyond Denver Family Institute. Jim’s professional volunteer activities include serving as President of the Colorado Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. During that time, he also served for three years as Chair of the Columbine Community Citizens’ Task Force formed by Representative Don Lee following the Columbine Tragedy. He also served on the National Board of Directors for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy from 2002–2004, was Chair of the Council of Division Presidents, AAMFT in 2002 and 2003 and is a member of the AAMFT GLBT Caucus from 2001 to the present.
Jim presents both locally and nationally to professionals and parents regarding parenting issues, family therapy and couples counseling (www.beaproparent.com).
At Denver Family Institute, students describe Jim as an enthusiastic, inspiring and knowledgeable instructor. He wants students to have a strong theoretical foundation, to think creatively and to stretch as clinicians. His active, supportive and dynamic live supervision style also receives high marks from students.
As Executive Director, Jim focuses on honoring diversity, continuous quality improvement and fostering a strong sense of community. “I love DFI,” Jim says. “The faculty members represent well the finest systemic, strength-based clinicians in the Rocky Mountain Region. They each bring a focus on excellence, service, and integrity to their work. The students’ commitment, diversity and enthusiasm for learning permeate the program. Our Board of Directors provides solid leadership and fundraising support to make this all possible. It is an honor to serve the DFI community and to be a part of this proud tradition.”
Jim lives in Littleton, Colorado with his wife of more than 20 years, Patrice, and his daughter Arianne. His stepson Christopher lives in Denver and is the owner/operator of Cherry Sound Studios. Spunky, the family dog, helps them all remember to enjoy the important things such as walks in the fresh air and sunshine of Colorado. Jim enjoys singing, laughter, foreign films, his daughter’s creative writing and overseas travel with Patrice (whenever he gets the chance).
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