Personal Statement
I encourage you to call in order to get a better sense of my personality and professional style. That way, you can get up-to-date information on current offerings, such as meditation workshops or women's groups.
I work with many people who are new to counseling. Most people have tried other alternatives before they call, and are reluctant to involve a stranger. Having worked with mandated clients, (those "forced" into counseling by the legal system) I am sensitive to how uncomfortable the process can be, and try to make it as painless as possible.
These are some of the first questions people usually ask me:
- How does it work - what is counseling like?
- How much does it cost?
- How long does it last?
- How do I know you can help me?
- How do I know if it's working?
Basically, you describe your concerns, and I act as a consultant, making an assessment based on my training and experience. You decide whether I am the right therapist for you. Then, we explore which courses of action will work best for you. Some like to work intensely for a short period of time (3-10 sessions); some just come until they feel better. Many prefer traditional techniques, but willingness to try newer alternatives may speed up the process. I use simple evaluation tools so you can easily measure your own progress.
Here are some issues I have helped resolve successfully:
- Men and women, unhappy at work, deciding whether to stay or go, keeping focused for a job search, or trying to find their dream career.
- Couples who don't quite know what went wrong, how to make it right, or even if they want to.
- Individuals who have hit an unexpected "bump in the road," which has caused unmanageable stress at home or work.
- People in their 20's to 50's, overwhelmed, confused, doubtful and curious about the choices and changes confronting them.
- Teens or parents finding the transition from child to adult more difficult than they anticipated.
- Adults and teens needing a safe place to work on sexual identity issues.
- Women, traumatized as children or adults, experiencing relationship and intimacy difficulties.
"Traditional techniques" can include the following: - Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
- Homework, such as reading or journal writing
- Behavior modification, to create a new habit or decrease a negative one
- Coaching - to set goals and create plans to achieve them
"Alternative approaches" can include: - Use of visualization, guided imagery or relaxation
- Referral to holistic health practices such as massage, Reiki, yoga or meditation
- Intuitive energy readings or aura healings
The telephone is the fastest way to get a response, but feel free to use either method to inquire further or schedule an appointment. I wish you all the best as you move toward wellness!
Treatment Areas
Susan has experience treating the following areas: Alcoholism, Anorexia Nervosa, Anxiety Disorders, Behavior Disorders, Bulimia, Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Violence Victims, Eating Disorders, Family Systems, Low Self-Esteem, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Phobias, Post-Partum Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Women's Issues.
Treatment Modalities
Susan provides Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. She works with Adolescents, Adults, Children, Couples, Families and Seniors.
