Thomas Luttrell, PhD, LCMFT / LMFT

If you are struggling with your relationship, past hurts, or sexuality, you need someone with advanced experience. HigherChange is led by myself, Dr. Luttrell. I started working as a therapist in 2008 and have a PhD in Marital and Family Therapy. I am licensed for independent, clinical practice in marriage and family therapy in California (LMFT 111604), DC, and Maryland (LCMFT, #LCM754). In addition, I am a professional coach serving clients anywhere for life goals, relationships, dating, health & wellness, business leadership, and spirituality. I'm also available for workshops and telehealth with residents of some other countries outside the U.S., such as Singapore. I'm a Maryland-approved MFT supervisor and a former asst. professor of counseling. I've been happily married for 15 years, and we have two young boys.

I work primarily with couples and individuals who struggle with emotional, sexual or spiritual intimacy due to addiction, fear or shame. I'm comfortable with interracial/intercultural relationships and talking about sex. I use "experiential" forms of psychotherapy to help you experience emotions and restore intimacy with your self, partner, family or God.

I invite you on a journey to discover the rich treasures inside each of us. Everyone has inherent dignity and worth. I also offer Christian counseling for those who want it, and I can integrate your spiritual beliefs. However, I respect your freedom, beliefs, commitments, and convictions.

Education & Certifications
Ph.D. – Marital & Family Therapy
M.S. – Marital & Family Therapy
B.A. – Theology
Certificate – Drug & Alcohol Counseling
Certificate – Family Life Education (from Loma Linda University)

I can help you reconnect and restore emotional intimacy with yourself, partner, family, or God. I believe that understanding emotions are important to overcome obstacles of shame, fear, or shame-based cycles of addiction. My clinical work emphasizes the use of experiential psychotherapy models, such as Gestalt therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, or psychodrama, in working with individuals, couples, and families. My focus areas tend to be on romantic relationships, sexuality, the impact of hurtful habits on relationships, and spirituality.

I developed an integrative model of psychotherapy called “Treasure Therapy,” which integrates components of other evidenced-based models, such as emotionally-focused therapy. This approach sees the inherent dignity, beauty, and worth (the “treasure”) in all people and accepts you where you are. My five main goals are to:
1. Build a trusting, safe environment for you to talk.
2. Raise awareness and insight about your problems.
3. Create possible solutions together.
4. Instill a sense of hope and peace.
5. Identify your strengths and how you are adapting to challenges.

In order to completely resolve your problem, I follow a biopsychosocial approach that attends to four areas: the professional alliance, your relationship unit, you as an individual, and how you interact with others. For those who are religious, I can also look at your spirituality. Together, we will look at how you see “treasures” in each of these areas.