Our Specialist: Meet Susie!

Susie is an Associate Licensed professional clinical Counselor with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

A word from Susie:

I have been counseling young children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families for over 20 years. I am a Mental Wellness Counselor and Developmental Play Specialist.

 

Education

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics with a focus on Communication and Language Development, and a minor in Musical Theater. I am also a singer/songwriter and I truly believe that music is a healer.

I hold a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I developed my theoretical orientation of a humanistic person-centered approach with a foundation of existential philosophy implemented through experiential practices.

Experience

The beginning of my career was established in providing intensive developmental relationship-based services to support families and their children on the autism journey. My career path has deepened my therapeutic practice to empathically understand functions of behavior, develop effective communication, find genuine intentionality, and engage in co-regulation through the building, bonding, and strengthening of relationships.  

In treatment sessions, I focus on a strengths-based approach in a non-judgemental space to have open conversations, face challenges together, develop effective resilience tools, and instill hope every step of the way. 

I incorporate focus areas including:

  • Mindfulness

  • Sensory Regulation

  • DBT

  • Animal Assisted Therapy

  • Art Therapy

  • Couples Counseling

  • Ecotherapy

  • Positive Psychology

 I am passionate in supporting clients of all ages to become empowered to go inward, embrace their authentic self and motivate to change. I help clients reflect on trauma, seek a shift in perception, and find glimmers of joy in each moment possible.  

I believe at the deepest parts of our souls, we are all human beings in this experience of life together.

Our connections to each other, to nature, to the physical world around us, and/or a belief in a Higher Power are what help us to survive and can inspire us to thrive.

Contact Susie!

If you’re interested in booking a treatment session, Susie would love to hear about your individual needs to build the perfect plan for you!

Contact Susie at: SSspecialistSD@gmail.com

Or fill out a Contact Form right here!