Client Portal
Client Portal

LaWanda Thomas

MS, LMFT, RN

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Nurse

My Calling & Approach

From not knowing what a GED was to earning a Doctorate in Theology—whew, what a journey! My own story began as a young bride at 15, mother of three by 19, and divorced by 20. In those years, I thought I had all the answers, but my unhealed wounds quickly revealed otherwise.
My mother and family loved me dearly and showed their care in many ways, but they didn’t express it verbally. So when someone finally spoke the words “I love you,” I married him
Life has taught me that even our deepest wounds can be transformed into powerful lessons of growth and healing. I believe life is a beautiful gift from God, and what we do with that gift becomes our gift back to Him.
Whether in nursing, teaching, or counseling, I see each as a gift and a way to serve. Yet counseling holds a special place in my heart—it is my ministry and my passion. In every role, my assignment is to serve my Creator and those reaching out for help.
As a therapist, my aim is to connect with clients at the point of their hurt. Whether they are navigating childhood trauma, grief, depression, overwhelming life events, or self-esteem struggles, I strive to provide authentic care, exceptional listening, and mindfulness in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Counseling gives me the opportunity to walk with clients as they share their stories and discover new pathways toward healing and wholeness.
I believe we are spirit beings, living in a body (a temporary tent), and possessing a soul—our emotions, will, hopes, dreams, and desires. Holistic care of the self and soul is life-sustaining and central to my work as a counselor.

Who I Serve

I specialize in:

  • Premarital counseling
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • Grief
  • Emotional wounds
  • Chronic illness

I also help clients facing:

  • Anger management
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem struggles
  • Divorce
  • Racial identity and trauma concerns
  • Stress
  • Women’s issues

For over eight years, I facilitated Family Life Skills groups every 26 weeks, walking with women as they grew from emotional immaturity to maturity, health, and wholeness. As I taught on topics such as anger and coping, guilt and shame, reactive lifestyles, guidelines for relationships, forgiveness, arrested development, and communication, I found that I, too, was being restored and healed.

In addition, I work with teenagers (ages 13+), supporting them as they navigate the unique
challenges of adolescence.

Education & Years in Practice

  • Florida International University — Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1996
  • St. Thomas University, Miami, FL — Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, 2004
  • Revelation School of Ministry — Master of Divinity, 2019
  • Revelation School of Ministry — Doctorate of Theology, 2021
  • Practicing since 2004

Professional Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) — Florida
  • Registered Nurse (RN) — Florida Board of Nursing

Therapeutic Approaches, Specialties & Training

  • Christian Counseling
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Structural Family Therapy

Beyond the Therapy Room

Outside of counseling, I enjoy singing—whether in the background, leading a song, or harmonizing
alongside my husband. Serving in youth ministry for over 30 years brought me tremendous joy,
especially watching young people grow spiritually and emotionally. I am also part of a women’s
retreat group that has met annually for 25 years—a cherished time of renewal, worship, and
sisterhood.

I love to laugh, enjoy amusement park adventures with my children and grandchildren, and have a
special love for zebra décor. And when it’s all said and done, one of my favorite simple pleasures will
always be taking long, cool naps