About The Witchdoctor . . . Tom and his family currently reside "in the parish" near Black Bayou in the northwest corner of the beautiful and mysterious state of Louisiana. He holds a Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Abilene Christian Univeristy and has practiced as a family therapist in his community for 25 years. Tom is also an Approved Supervisor in Louisiana for Counselor and MFT Interns and served on the licenising board for LPCs and LMFTs for 12 years.
Tom is the director of the Red River Institute, a consortium of practioners, and educators dedicted to the creation of a healthy professional culture for mental health practioners.
About the Coming Revolution . . .
I would like to think that my work as a private practitioner, educator, clinical supervisor, and regulator over the last quarter century has provided me with a unique vantage point from which to observe and critique the evolution of my profession . . . And, oh, the changes I have seen over the last twenty-five years! The advent of managed care, licensure, academic standardization, and evidenced-based practice are just a few of the changes that have shaped the course of our development as an industry for the last quarter century.
But is the mental health profession evolving to a higher state? Can I say that we as independent non-medical mental health providers are better off than we were twenty-five years ago? I must confess that in my observation the answer to both these questions is a firm “no.” I have my concerns for the next generation of mental health professionals who must learn to ply their trade in a political, economic and professional environment that seems to grow more hostile with every passing year. . .
About This Website . . .
This website is thoughtfully offered to the mental health professional who aspires to be a healer of hearts, minds, and spirits rather than a proxy mover of molecules across semi-permeable membranes--and warmly dedicated to Gregory Bateson, Brad Keeney, Chloe Madanes, Dr. Waymon Hinson, Dr. Tom Milholon, Dr. Paul Faulkner, and many other wise men and women along my path who shared with me a larger view and on whose shoulders I humbly stand.
The information, news, commentary, and perspectives assembled here in their honor are designed to provoke thoughtful meditation, incite lively dialogue, and encourage informed action that catalyzes a healthy evolution of the postmodern healing arts. Enjoy!