Warm, Knowledgeable, Experienced

 
 
About Sue

Sue’s Background

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Florida
Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling – University of Florida
Specialist of Education in Mental Health Counseling – University of Florida

California Licensed

Professional Clinical Counselor #1506

-American Society on Aging
-California Association of
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors
-American Mental Health
Counselors Association
-California Association of
Marriage and Family Therapists

Relaxing with my family
Going to the beach
Swimming
Traveling

Sue’s Approach and Values

  • HOLISTIC

    Aging is most obvious in its changes to the body. Parts wear out. I approach the whole person, am knowledgeable about normal aging, chronic conditions and diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. As a therapist and consultant, I work with my client’s medical team to address the aspects of their changing bodies that could also be affecting their mood. I am sensitive to the needs of the mind, body and the spirit and am an expert in matters of the heart.

  • DEVELOPMENTAL

    I see aging through the lens of human development. Within the predictable stages of aging, a wide variety of events may occur. We explore my clients’ personal histories in psychotherapy to understand the circumstances and experiences that have shaped their current situations. Themes that may emerge in these stories are loss and grief, quality of life and the search for meaning.

  • SAFE AND COMPASSIONATE

    We are our own worst critics. Asking for help is not a weakness. I work with clients to create a setting in therapy where they won’t feel evaluated or judged, but accepted and respected. My compassionate approach helps to strengthen those self-acceptance and self-compassion muscles so that clients can access them more readily on their own.

  • LIFESTYLE FOCUSED

    While exploring emotional concerns in therapy is important, environmental factors can also influence mood and thoughts. My work in geriatrics has shown that multi-sensory stimulation helps improve health and well-being. My clients and I work to identify what specific exercises, outdoor activities and mental stimulation will benefit their mental health. We look at ways that experiencing beauty, creativity and fun help to heal the spirit and the soul.

  • POSITIVE AND STRENGTH-BASED

    I believe that people want to lead meaningful and satisfying lives. All people have innate and learned strengths that are considered in therapy. We draw upon the field of Positive Psychology to focus on healing emotional pain in order to experience the best things in life such as love, pleasure and fulfillment.

  • EDUCATIONAL

    Articles, books and websites can help clients see problems from an objective point of view. In therapy, we may also use diagrams, activities and journals to develop insight into their ways of problem solving. The focus is shifted from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more in control.