Thomas Johnstone

About Thomas

My approach

My practice is grounded in a person-centered, humanistic foundation and offers trauma-focused care for individuals, couples, and groups. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, and Gestalt approaches to support your unique path to growth and healing.

About me

I am an LLMSW therapist, legal studies graduate, and military veteran dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic, and stigma-free mental health care. Blending clinical expertise with advocacy, I specialize in supporting diverse clients, justice-involved individuals, and those navigating complex life challenges.

More background

Welcome—I’m So Glad You’re Here

As a therapist, military veteran, and legal studies graduate, I approach our work together with deep respect, total acceptance, and a focus on the whole picture of your life. I truly believe real healing happens when you have a safe space to show up exactly as you are—without any fear of judgment, stigma, or pressure.

I bring both my personal life experience and my training to the table, but you are always the expert on your own life. My job isn't to fix you; it’s to offer a grounded, compassionate, and comfortable space where we can work together at your pace, right where you are today.

In my clinical practice at West Michigan Psychological Services, I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll tailor our time together to fit your specific goals and needs. I pull tools from a few different proven approaches—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Gestalt work—to help you navigate things like anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, or substance use.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, working through deep-rooted trauma, or navigating a huge life change, we’ll focus on helping you build real-world, practical tools. Along the way, we’ll honor your story, your strengths, and the resilience that brought you through the door.

I am deeply passionate about supporting people who often face social stigma, healthcare barriers, or systemic hurdles. My office is an intentionally safe harbor for:

The 2SLGBTQ+ community, including anyone exploring or navigating identity and self-expression.

People living with HIV or those utilizing HIV PrEP.

Anyone working through substance use challenges. Supported by my own personal recovery journey and specialized training, I am currently finishing my requirements to become a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

Justice-involved individuals, drawing on my extensive background in legal advocacy and public defense.

Connecting Mental Health and Legal Support

My journey into social work grew out of hands-on legal advocacy. Through my mitigation work with the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office, I’ve spent a couple of years working alongside defense attorneys, court staff, local mental health agencies, and judges to offer full-person representation.

I know firsthand how overwhelming it is when legal hurdles, court involvement, and systemic stresses collide with your mental health. Because of that background, I can help bridge the gap between complex legal systems and the real-world social and emotional support you need.

My Roots in Community & Service

My commitment to caring for people stretches well beyond the therapy room. I stay actively involved in local and statewide leadership efforts focused on public health, equity, and community connection.

I serve as Community Co-Chair for the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council and contribute to the MDHHS Ryan White Clinical Quality Management Committee.

I co-chaired the Grand Haven Pride Festival and have been a Team Co-Lead for the Michigan Irish Music Festival since 2017.

I also serve as an alumni advisor and ethics facilitator for Omicron Delta Kappa, alongside ongoing work with the National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter.

My passion for service began early, when I served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2002. That foundational military experience taught me what it truly means to show up for others, and it still guides everything I do as a clinician, advocate, and neighbor.

At the end of the day…

Whether you’re here to work through past trauma, navigate a difficult life transition, manage health or legal stress, or just need a quiet space to sit down, catch your breath, and be genuinely heard—I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Thomas works with

Ages

Teens (14-19), Adults

Communities

LGBTQ+, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, BIPOC, Black / African American, Latino / Hispanic, Asian American, Indigenous / Native American, Veterans, First Responders, Faith-Based, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Neurodivergent, People with Disabilities, Sex Worker Allied, Body Positive, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Single Parents

Languages

English

Education and training

Master of Social Work, Grand Valley State University, 2026

Certifications

Tobacco Treatment Specialist

HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral