Molly Thomas, LMFT
I grew up in small-town Southern Illinois. It wasn’t until my 6th grade year that I moved to Indiana, and it was there that I eventually felt drawn to the University of Evansville. I graduated in 2020 (hello, Covid graduation…) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, minors in Gender and Women’s Studies and Social and Human Services, and a certificate in Gerontology. What a mouthful! During my time there, I completed internships supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, working with students in low-income schools, and assisting parents who needed court-ordered supervised visitations.
Shortly after graduation, I headed north to attend graduate school at Purdue University Northwest, where I earned my Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy. I spent my first moments on the therapist’s side of the room, learned a LOT about who I am as a person, made some really tough decisions, met some of my best friends, and tried Portillo’s for the first time. Graduate school was both transformative and incredibly challenging. During that time, I also found an amazing therapist of my own who taught me about standing up for my needs, taking in the good when it shows up, and feeling my damn feelings. (Still working on these, to be fair.)
Outside of therapy room I am many other things. I spend most of my time with my spouse and our 11-year old Lab, Pitbull, Great Pyrenees mix, Zoey. She is her mama’s pride and joy! When I’m with my besties, you can usually find us watching a children’s cartoon movie from the 2000s, hitting up a drag show, or finding a new random structure to camp in. When I’m spending some time alone, which I absolutely love to do, you’ll most likely find me doing a craft, finding something new to try and cook, or overplaying my newest obsession song. (Currently a tie between “Dry Spell” by Kacey Musgraves and “Click Clack Symphony” by RAYE")
All of these experiences, both professional and personal, shape the lens I bring into the therapy room today. In my work I support individual adults and couples through identity exploration, sexual trauma healing, relationship stress, and the messy, human moments that make life complicated. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real-life experience rather than perfection. I fully believe that we grow as humans through sharing emotional experiences with others, and I would love the opportunity to walk alongside you throughout the therapeutic process.
My Therapeutic Approaches
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Based in attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) emphasizes the human need for secure emotional connection with others. EFT helps validate that growing up in insecure environments is going to impact how you show up with those closest to you now. Despite additional challenges this may bring some individuals, EFT also gives us hope that it is still possible to have strong, fulfilling relationships through feeling those big feelings and finding healthy ways to regulate ourselves during difficult times. Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I am Level 1 and Level 2 trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an evidence-based approach for strengthening romantic relationships. This method is excellent for rebuilding connection, intimacy, and friendship in couples, while also providing practical tools for communication and creating shared meaning. I often combine EFT for emotional processing with the Gottman Method for skill-building, which many couples find highly effective for navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or managing life transitions.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Have you seen the movie Inside Out? Internal Family Systems (IFS), also called “parts work,” is a lot like that—showing how different parts of ourselves can have unique emotions, needs, and roles. IFS is highly effective for processing trauma, managing difficult emotions, and building self-compassion. In IFS, I help you identify the parts of yourself that show up in your life, understand how they connect to past experiences, and work with them to access your authentic self. IFS can be intense at times, but it produces powerful, transformative results for both individuals and couples therapy.
Therapeutic Art
While I am not a registered art therapist, I frequently incorporate therapeutic art in therapy sessions. Using creative expression can support emotional processing, nervous system regulation, and interpersonal connection.
Art is optional in therapy, but if you’re interested—or willing to try—I can guide you through exercises during sessions or provide home-based art therapy activities. You don’t need fancy materials: in-person clients can use supplies I provide, and virtual clients can work with what they have at home. Therapeutic art is a flexible, accessible way to explore feelings, practice self-care, and enhance therapy outcomes.
Let’s chat!
If you think we might be a good fit of working together, fill out the information here. I’ll get back with you shortly!