Specialty: Trauma (Childhood, Relationship Abuse, Religious, Sexual)
I work with: Adult Individuals, Couples/Partners
My favorite therapy modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS) for individuals and couples
Friends call me: Funny, Kind, Smart
Defense Mechanism: Sassiness
You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.
Hi! I’m Susan.
I’m the type of therapist who believes you are capable of healing and change–even when others have rejected, harmed, or betrayed you in the past.
My clients tell me that I help them have conversations with loved ones that don’t spin out into arguments. Our work together helps them love themselves and feel loved by others.
I provide trauma therapy for adults:
I help people who have been hurt and who have a hard time in this world, whether it’s with other humans or in work or in just existing.
You feel angry, hopeless and hurt. You feel confused and might just want to withdraw. “It feels like nothing is worth trying for, and I feel all alone…like nobody cares,” they might be thinking.
Through therapy, you can feel like dancing, singing, and like you are surrounded by love. Happiness and wholeness are possible!
All people are welcome in my office – I’ve supported folks with c-ptsd, queer identifying or questioning folks, sex workers, and high masking or newly diagnosed Autistic and ADHD folks.
I also provide couples therapy:
I help clients lovingly listen to themselves and listen to their partners by compassionately working with whatever blocks them. Mostly removing blocks involves healing wounds which is why I specialize in treating trauma.
You feel frustrated, angry & hurt, sad & lonely. You feel blocked and stuck and hopeless, unheard and unloved. “I’m exhausted and I can’t go on like this anymore. Does my partner even love me?” you wonder.
Through therapy, you can feel happy and connected and like you’re moving in the same direction
On a personal note…
I have my own trauma history and years ago I found healing in therapy.
I experienced transformation and my new life blossomed with healthy relationships and a growing sense of purpose. I wanted to help heal the world from trauma so I went back to school to be a therapist.
During my studies, I came across a model of psychotherapy that has changed my life profoundly.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy and one of the fastest growing models of psychotherapy in the world.
However, what really matters to me is that IFS changed ME. It changed my CLIENTS. I know that it works because I use it daily in my personal and professional life.
Formal Credentials
License
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #130782: Licensed to practice psychotherapy in California
Education
M.A., Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy: National University, Rancho Cordova
B.S., Biology: University of Oregon, Eugene
Love Heal Grow Residency Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I, Level 2, Trauma & Infidelity
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy w/ Sue Johnson
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals w/ Sue Johnson
Sex Therapy: Common Sexual Concerns of Individuals & Couples, LGBTQIA Affirming Therapy, Alternative Sexualities/Non Traditional Relationships
Trauma Therapy
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirming Care
Advanced Trainings/Certifications
IFS Certified Therapist: Internal Family Systems Levels 1, 2 & 3
Intimacy from the Inside out (IFIO – IFS for couples): Basic & Advanced Trainings
Sexuality (completed) and ADHD & Autism in relationships. using IFIO (June 2025)
EMDR Therapy EMDRIA Approved Basic Training
Brainspotting (Phase 1)
Buehler Institute: Sex Therapy Program (in progress)
Help for Trauma
