I had the unique opportunity to connect with ShoutOut L.A. for an interview. You can read it here: https://shoutoutla.com/meet-hillary-thomas-therapist/ or below.
Hi Hillary, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg. I love graphic novels endlessly, it’s such a unique form of storytelling. I especially go for the ones written by a queer author or if there are queer characters. This one is about a woman Cherry who is married to a man who makes a bet with his friend to see if the friend can seduce his wife in one hundred nights. If the friend is successful, he’s promised the man’s castle. What both men don’t know is that Cherry is in love with Hero her maid. Hero and Cherry distract the friend by telling these elaborate stories each night. It’s a beautifully illustrated love story.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Prior to my private practice, I worked for community mental health agencies and group practices where the rules are very concrete. I pivoted to a non-clinical role to take a break and in doing so, I realized how important being a therapist is to me. It’s hard to describe! As a therapist I get to be with a client during a challenging time, and create a relationship where they feel safe enough to unfold, explore deeply, and consider what to do next. In starting my therapy private practice, my intention was to reconnect with what I found meaningful, at my own pace. It’s been so fulfilling to be able to go slow, build my own map, and practice therapy the way I want to.
I currently work with teens and adults of all genders coming to therapy for a variety of reasons including: anxiety and depression, exploring sexual orientation and gender identity, creative professionals, young adults struggling with career/transitions/identity, and/or anyone with a preference to be seen by a queer / bisexual therapist.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hm, a week. That’s plenty of time! We can do the ocean and the trees. For ocean views, I like skating or biking along the beach path or driving up to Point Dume state beach. There are lots of coves to explore up there. Depending on the time of year, I might try to squeeze in a 3-day in Sequoia National Park. Or, hike Strawberry Peak in the Angeles National Forest. We would also eat a lot of good food. Some of my favorites are Lodge Bread Co., The Arepa Stand, Father’s Office, Nong La, Ayara Thai… you really don’t run out of good places to eat here. I would try to fit in seeing a show at the Hollywood Bowl, to me that’s a uniquely L.A. experience.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Do you have time to run some end credits? I would like to thank my therapist, my partner, my dog, and every single friend and fellow therapist / co-worker who gets excited with me and encourages me to keep expanding.
Website: https://www.hillarythomaslcsw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillarylcsw/