I’m So Glad You’re Here
Meet Suzanne
I’m originally from the Houston/Gulf Coast area and graduated from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and then began my initial career as a paralegal. In 2010, a transformative experience inspired me to delve into how stressful and negative childhood events contribute to personal and interpersonal challenges in adulthood. This journey ultimately led me to earn my MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington.
I’ve worked as a trauma-informed therapist over the past ten years, both in community mental health and also in private practice for the past 5 years. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments to individuals, groups and couples in Texas.
In my free time, I love traveling, reading, spending time with family and playing the synthesizer/keyboard in a small band.
My Style
I believe you already have everything within you to heal, grow, and overcome your challenges. My role is to help you tap into your own inner strength and guide you in discovering your natural ability to heal.
I am passionate about listening to you and about your experience in a way that I know that I’m getting you and what you’ve been through.
I believe that knowledge is power: I am passionate about providing education on how trauma and other negative life experiences are interconnected with your behavior, emotions, neurobiology and somatic embodiment.
I believe that experiencing is learning - I strive to bring therapy to life for you with a variety of experiential learning activities. Ask me about ways to complement your experience!
I am a trauma - informed therapist. This means that I take into account the impact of trauma on your emotions, regulation and behavior. I will strive to be aware of the context of your individual trauma history, triggers and tailor therapy to your specific needs.
I use a transformative integrative approach of evidence based models of psychotherapy to help you achieve your goals. These models are: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Densensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and Advanced Relational EMDR. I also pull from Attachment theories, Polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, somatic embodiment and sensorymotor psychotherapy.
Academics/Experience
Licensed Clinical Social Worker -Texas, License No. 61995
BS in American Jurisprudence from University of Houston Clear Lake
Masters in Social work from University of Texas at Arlington
Internal Family Systems Level 1
Intimacy From the Inside Out
EMDR Trained Therapist
Advanced “Relational EMDR” training
Certified Clinical Trauma Profession Level 1
Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies
Certified Critical Incident Stress Management
Since 2010, I’ve worked with people who have gone through tough experiences in their lives. These challenges have often caused problems like broken relationships, using alcohol or drugs to cope, and other harmful behaviors. Many of these struggles have also led to feelings of depression, anxiety, and panic. My goal has been to help these individuals understand and heal from their pain, teaching them healthier ways to cope and guiding them to a better, more positive life.
I have also received training and been part of teams deployed by the state of Texas to provide support to individuals in the immediate aftermath of violent events in the community, including mass shootings.
Memberships: National Association of Social Workers (NASW), NASW-TX, EMDRIA, Internal Family Systems Institute, Lifetime Member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor society; Lifetime Member Omicron Delta Kappa.
