Susan Auer Kirt, LMSW is a licensed clinical social worker. Her guiding treatment philosophy is grounded in hope. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University. She completed her clinical training at Pine Rest. She treats individuals who want to further their own wellness by leading a more purposeful life.
Susan’s practice focuses specifically on integrated health for optimal wellness mentally and physically. This holistic approach integrates elements of treatment such as nutrition, movement, time in nature, spirituality, mindfulness, self-compassion, connection with others, and the arts. She completed her graduate thesis on Applications of Mindfulness in Psychotherapy. Because traumatic experiences impact greatly impact overall health, she has completed training on Prolonged Exposure Therapy through the University of Pennsylvania. She has completed further study of sleep disorders offered by the University of Michigan. She has pursued additional training on the role of nutrition and inflammation on mood. Above all, she strives to work in partnership with clients to identify a sense of meaning in their lives.
Susan specializes in treating anxiety, depression/mood disorders, relationship issues, grief, stress management, codependency, and coping with chronic health issues. In addition, she supports individuals in finding their individual strengths to manage and adjust to life transitions such as planning for education and life decisions in young adulthood, career change, retirement, and caregiving for ill or aging loved ones. She enjoys working with adults of all ages.
Susan’s treatment is highly individualized to your goals; based on evidence-based practices for improving mood, relationships and shifting sustainably to more intentional habits. Baselines are identified with measurable data to track meaningful progress. Treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), coping skills based on dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, psychodynamic therapy, object relations, interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology. Due to prior professional work in education, sessions may include personalized homework or interactive visual aids to enhance treatment. She is also able to identify resources from a systems perspective to leverage clients’ overall life goals. Clients have provided feedback that her style is helpful, respectful, warm and positive.
Susan’s personal interests include: spending time in nature, bicycling, running, learning, cooking, animals, and art.
