Meet Alfred Thomas, Jr.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alfred Thomas, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alfred, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Choppee, a rural area on the outskirts of Georgetown, South Carolina. While many people are familiar with Charleston or Myrtle Beach, Georgetown sits right between the two. My upbringing was shaped by a household with both my parents, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The community faced issues like alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence, which I believe influenced my career path. These experiences have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with others who have gone through similar struggles.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Big Oak Counseling and Consulting, LLC, a virtual practice serving South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Washington State, Vermont and Idaho. As an African American male in this field, I strive to normalize therapy within the Black community, which is a significant part of my mission.

My journey to this point has not been straightforward; while I always had a desire to help others, I initially hesitated to pursue this path due to not wanting to deal with the business side of the field. However, life guided me in this direction, and I am now navigating the complexities of running a therapy practice. It comes with its challenges, but each challenge I face is a valuable lesson that not only propels my business forward but also equips me to assist others in their journeys.

I’m most proud of being able to provide therapy my way without the demands of having to meet quotas or bill a certain amount of hours and other pressures that come along with working for another agency.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I wouldn’t know where to start. I serve Georgia residents, but my practice is based out of South Carolina. If you’re ever in the Columbia/Lexington, SC area, hit me up and I can give you some recommendations! LOL!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to honor my mother, Mary Ladson Thomas. During some tough times in my early adulthood, when I was struggling to take life and school seriously, she never lost faith in me. Her unwavering support made me realize that my behavior was the only thing standing in the way of my future.

I also want to remember my cousin, the late William Earl Ladson, Jr., who sadly passed away from colon cancer in August 2020. He was a constant source of encouragement, pushing me to pursue my dream of starting my own private practice, which I named Big Oak Counseling and Consulting in his honor—a name given to him by his fraternity brothers in college.

Lastly, I can’t forget to shout out my amazing wife, Demetria E. Thomas. She has stood by me through all the ups and downs of my career, and I truly appreciate her steadfast support.

Website: https://www.bigoakcounselingandconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigoakcounseling?igsh=M3NjZnpreTFzZ3Ez&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfred-thomas-jr-m-a-l-p-c-949847120/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Big-Oak-Counseling-and-Consulting/61556172030096/

Image Credits
Photo credit goes to Tara Williams Wise of T. Wise Photography, LLC.