Find the counselor that best suits your needs.
Shane Thomason, LCPC/Owner
* Not accepting new clients - Waitlist option available
My name is Shane Thomason and I am the owner and founder of Thomason Counseling Services. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Idaho (LCPC-6444).
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dana College (NE) in 2007. I also graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University (NE) in 2014.
I utilize a straight-forward and honest approach to therapy and I am direct in identifying real-life solutions to the presenting issues. I am an experienced counselor and I am often able to connect with those who are resistant to counseling or skeptical of the counseling process. I also focus on building strong and caring relationships with my clients. When appropriate, I like to implement humor in the treatment process. I have experience in treating issues such as (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, anger issues, parenting concerns, and marriage/couples issues.
I am eclectic in my approach to counseling, but my main approaches center around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. I have experience working with individuals, couples/marriage, and families. I see clients ranging from children to adults.
When I am not in the office I enjoy coaching and playing sports and going to concerts. I also like anything outdoors, especially camping with family and friends.
Ben Zinke, LMFT
Hello,
My name is Ben Zinke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Idaho (LMFT-9757). I graduated from Loma Linda University with a master in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006 and a PhD in Family Studies in 2012. Feel free to call me Ben or "Dr. Z" if you prefer. I also have work experience as a mediator, a college professor and a financial coach which tends to provide perspective in therapy.
My approach to therapy is very open, honest, relaxed and educational. I enjoy empowering clients to meet their goals and get the most out of their lives. I mainly use cognitive behavioral and solution focused techniques in session though I’m happy to use other techniques when appropriate.
When I’m not working, I enjoy watching a variety of shows with my wife, walking our dogs, and listening to historical fiction, motivational and personal finance audio books.
Melanie Becic, LPC
My name is Melanie Becic and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho (LPC-9608).
I graduated with a Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark Graduate school of Education and Counseling (Portland, OR) in2023.
I tend to focus on deeper change work with clients, looking at both conscious and unconscious motivations and patterns, tending past wounds and behavioral patterns we carry and the development of a strong core sense of self.
The approach I take with clients is collaborative and varies based on the unique needs of the person in front of me. It’s important that you feel seen, understood, and listened to first and foremost. I work with clients starting from a baseline of the relationship between us. Forming a therapeutic alliance and showing up with unconditional positive regard for you so that you are able to show up authentically. I often address what is happening between us during our session as I believe that the dynamic between you and myself is a mirror for other dynamics in your life. Because of the relationship I have with my clients I feel comfortable challenging and confronting clients in a kind, compassionate, and non-shaming way as well as discussing what is working and not working in our sessions together.
Additionally, my approach is influenced by Internal Family System, Emotion Focused Attachment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and The Gottman Method. I use interventions from these orientations to deepen our work together and address the challenges that you come in with. I also focus on consent and psychoeducation with all clients. I want you to know what we are doing, why we are doing it and I want you to be comfortable with the way we approach meeting your needs.
Specialties:
Depth Work
Patterns of Abuse or Controlling Behaviors
Anxiety
Depression
Relational and Attachment Concerns
Brian Walker, LCPC
** Offering online therapy only
My name is Brian Walker, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC-6183). Experience wise, I have been practicing professional counseling since 2013, spending 4 of those years as a school counselor. Currently, I provide telehealth sessions to individuals, adults, children, families, and couples.
My perspective on mental health and approach to counseling is reality based. When we are suffering in our mental health, whether in a big or small way, I think our mind is disconnecting from reality. Counseling helps bring the mind and reality back together. Once this happens, we can find good solutions to what is going on and put them into practice.
Counseling has a few ways to do this. I rely on Logic Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Philosophical Counseling, Reintegrative Therapy, and, when requested, Faith Based Counseling. Since counseling addresses difficult things, I also emphasize the client's personhood, using Person Centered Therapy. This means we work to value who you are.
Logic Based Therapy combines cognitive behavioral and philosophical therapy. It investigates the thoughts and beliefs leading away from reality and toward distress. Then it works to replace them with reality-based, motivating ideas. With Logic Based Therapy, I also use cognitive behavioral and philosophical exercises. Cognitive behavioral exercises are strategies that work on reshaping and changing thoughts, actions, and emotions. Philosophical counseling exercises are meaningful conversations that ask and explore the ‘why’ of what you are experiencing. For children, I rely on experiences to explore the ‘why’ instead of conversations.
Reintegrative Therapy is a therapeutic treatment for trauma and addictions. It is helpful to those who experience compulsive thoughts and behaviors that try to meet needs hurt or blocked by trauma. With Reintegrative Therapy, I also use the FLASH technique and mindfulness self-compassion. FLASH is an abbreviated version of EMDR, which works to integrate painful experiences in a way in which they no longer cause distress. Mindfulness self-compassion is a mindfulness technique that practices awareness and care of self as a person.
Faith Based Counseling is an approach that integrates one’s beliefs into the process. We can look for answers and understanding there, as well as support and motivation. I have found it to be a consoling way for people to process, when they are interested.
I am a general practitioner and open to working with any difficulty, and if inexperienced, will let you know. If the latter, we can work together to find the answers you are looking for or to help you find someone with more experience.
Ivory Boston, LMSW
I completed my Bachelor’s as well as Master’s in Social Work at Boise State University. I have always been interested in helping people sort out their thoughts and aid in having a positive outlook on life. The main methods I utilize consist of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered as well as many more. My experience in mental health has consisted of diverse diagnoses and treatment modalities, but I truly enjoy working with those who are motivated to improve anxiety, depression, ADHD as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. I believe some of my strengths as a provider include my ability to meet clients where they are at emotionally and mentally, provide them with understanding and acceptance as well as treating my clients as the expert. I believe it is my role to facilitate changes that the client wishes to make in order for their experience of life to become more positive. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, camping, and being physically active through lifting. I believe life is to be lived and our mental health has a huge impact on how we are able to do so. So let’s work together so you can live the life you want as well as deserve!
Naylen Schenone, LPC, NCC
Naylen Schenone LPC, NCC joined Thomason Counseling Services as a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor in August of 2024. She was born and raised in Florida, but now resides in Idaho. Naylen graduated from Southeastern University with a bachelor's of science degree in Psychology and Youth Ministry. She later got married and continued her studies online with Capella University, graduating with a master's of science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Naylen has experience in the mental health field, including her internship at a residential facility where she assisted in helping adolescents process their traumas and mental health journeys. Since the age of 15 years old, Naylen has desired to help children, adolescents, adults, and families regarding their mental health. Naylen is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. She has experience in Solution Focused Based Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Christian Therapy. She is excited to help direct her clients toward a path of healing.
Gary Koopman, LPC
Hello,
My name is Gary Koopman and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Idaho (LPC-3961172). I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelors in Psychology in 2017 and a masters in Counseling in 2023. I have work experience in PSR/CBRS, Behavior Analysis, and School Counseling.
My goal as a counselor is to assist clients in identifying and removing obstacles that are preventing desired growth. The foundation of my counseling approach is rooted in Person Centered Therapy - my priority will always be the therapeutic relationship. Within that framework I primarily work from a Solution Focused orientation, with the hope that clients leave therapy with practical, applicable skills to call upon as they navigate their world. I also utilize Existential Therapy to help clients explore freedom, isolation, death, and meaning. I believe confronting these fundamental aspects of living can lead to deeper understanding of ourselves and the world as a whole. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in areas including: anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavior modification, autism, and more.
Outside of work I enjoy reading, playing guitar, attending concerts, playing and attending sports, hiking and camping, and spending time with loved ones.