THE WILDS WITHIN US ARE NOT BROKEN, COPING WITH STRESS BEGINS FROM WITHIN.
When someone you love is struggling with OCD, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or intense emotional overwhelm, it can be hard to know what to do next. Many parents, partners, and caregivers reach out when they’ve been carrying the worry alone and need steady, clear support. I help teens, young adults, and families in Salem and Keizer understand what’s happening and find a grounded path forward.
About Thomas
My Approach
At Wilds Within Counseling, the approach is calm and collaborative and grounded in evidence based practices for OCD, anxiety, and the intense emotional states that can overwhelm teens, young adults, and families. The work is not limited to the individual. Many people reach out because they are trying to support someone they care about, and they want a place that understands the whole picture. Tommy meets with clients and with the people who stand beside them, including parents, partners, and caregivers who are trying to make sense of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, looping worry, or emotional shutdowns. His style is steady and supportive and focused on helping everyone involved feel understood while building practical skills that fit real life. The work moves at a pace that feels safe and sustainable and creates space for clarity, confidence, and meaningful change for both the person in the room and the community around them.
Bio
I’ve lived in Oregon long enough to know it’s a place I want to call home. Working in Salem, Keizer, and the wider Marion and Polk County communities has given me a deep appreciation for the people who make the Willamette Valley what it is. This region has a pace, a landscape, and a sense of community that feels steady and real, and it’s an honor to support the people who live here.
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I understand how overwhelming life can feel for teens who are trying to make sense of big emotions, for young adults who feel stuck or stressed, and for parents who want to support a child who is struggling. My work is rooted in the everyday realities of people living in Salem, Keizer, and the surrounding Willamette Valley towns, where stress, uncertainty, and pressure can build quietly over time. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or the weight of responsibilities at school, home, or work, I offer a grounded, supportive space to slow down, understand what’s happening, and move toward something that feels more manageable.
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Outside of my counseling work, I stay grounded through music, creative play, and time with the people I care about. I enjoy playing mandolin, exploring imaginative worlds in Minecraft, gathering around board games, reading fiction, and sharing movie nights with my wife. These parts of my life help me stay connected, curious, and steady. I bring these qualities into the therapy space so every client feels understood, supported, and welcomed exactly as they are.
Your Journey
Assessment
We begin with a thoughtful, thorough assessment to understand your mental health symptoms, your story, and what you want from therapy, so we can build clear, realistic goals together.
Personalization
After the assessment, we work together to create treatment goals that fit your specific situation and the changes you want to make.
Support
Tommy offers steady support and guidance throughout your therapy process. You will have a consistent place to talk openly, build skills, and work toward the changes that matter most to you.
Monitoring Progress
We check in regularly to see how you are doing and to understand what is working for you. As you grow and your needs change, we adjust your therapy goals so you can continue building strong and effective coping skills.
Feedback
Your feedback matters. I want to understand what feels helpful for you and what does not, so we can shape the therapy process in a way that supports your mental health and your goals.
Maintenance
When you reach your mental health goals, counseling can continue to support you as you practice new skills and maintain a steady, healthy mindset. This ongoing support helps you stay grounded and prepared for the long path ahead.
Free Online: Weekly Reset Group
Looking for a calm, supportive space for teens and young adults to slow down, breathe, and reset at the end of the week. We focus on grounding, gentle structure, and learning how to stay with anxiety, low mood, or intrusive thoughts without getting swept away, 100% free of charge. No cameras necessary.
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Two groups, same program:
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Adolescents:
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Young Adults:
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If you’re looking for a steady place to recharge each week please email tommy@wildswithincounseling.org
FAQ
Is ongoing support provided?
Yes. I offer ongoing support so you can stay focused, encouraged, and grounded throughout your therapy process. You will have a consistent place to check in, build skills, and keep moving toward the changes that matter to you.
Can the plans be adjusted?
Yes, we regularly review and adjust the therapy goals based on your progress and feedback.
License: PCA R12104
Practice type: Professional Counseling Associate (Oregon)
Service area: Salem, Keizer, and Oregon telehealth
Category: Mental Health Counselor
Phone: 503) 877‑5023
Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Men’s Issues
What if I have specific mental health concerns?
Taking preferences into account, communication is essential in recovery. We discuss concerns as therapy process progresses with managing anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns as they arise.
Contact Information
Phone: (503) 877‑5023
Email: Tommy@wildswithincounseling.org
In person: Tue Thu Fri
Telehealth: Mon / Wed
Serving: Salem, Keizer, and all of Oregon.
97301, 97302, 97303, 97304, 97307
NPI 1234567890 PCA R12104
Wilds Within Counseling LLC, 2026