Patricia Thurston

Patricia Thurston, MA, LPCC, LADC

White Bear Lake & Telehealth

Areas of Focus:

Abuse/Violence, Academic Concerns, Acute Stress, ADHD/Learning Disorders, Alcoholism/Chemical Addiction/Recovery, Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, Bipolar, Children of Alcoholics, Depression/Mood Disorders, Dysfunctional Families, Grief/Loss, Life Changes, LGBTQ/Gender Issues, Men’s/Women’s Issues, Military/Vets/Deployment, Pregnancy/Post-Partum Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Neurodivergence

“Change is about noticing what’s no longer working and stepping out of the familiar, imprisoning patterns.” Edith Eger

Many adults come to therapy knowing something isn’t working, even if they can’t yet put words to it. You may feel stuck in old survival patterns, carrying the weight of past experiences, or sensing that it’s time for deeper, more meaningful change.

I work with adults navigating trauma related concerns, including religious trauma, grief and loss, substance use, behavioral addictions, and major life transitions. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and I am deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space where you feel safe, respected, and understood — especially when exploring experiences that may have felt overwhelming, confusing, or invalidating in the past.

My approach is warm, person-centered, and collaborative. I integrate EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness based interventions to help clients process unresolved trauma, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build emotional resilience from the inside out. Together, we work at a pace that honors your nervous system while staying connected to your goals for healing and growth.

I believe therapy should be an empowering process and I’m passionate about doing deep, meaningful work — the kind that helps you understand how your past continues to shape your present, while also opening space for new ways of responding, relating, and living. We will work toward practical, sustainable change so you can move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

If you’re feeling ready to begin — or even just curious about what healing could look like — I would be honored to connect with you. I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you as you take this next step, and I am here, present, and ready to get started.

Background

  • Master of Arts in Co-Occurring Disorders, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
  • Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Utah

State of Minnesota Licensure

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) #5426
  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) #306532