“I enjoy the work I do because it gives me opportunities to help people see their strengths, build skills and techniques to capitalize on those strengths, and let the best version of themselves shine through. I like to assist individuals in identifying unhelpful patterns and behaviors that are not useful, and replace them with healthy behaviors and choices that will stand the test of time.”
Susan is most comfortable working with adolescents and adults in a therapeutic setting to help them harness and build upon natural strengths and talents, as well as learning new ones, to most effectively reach their goals.
Susan is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and anger management. She also has achieved certification in treating substance use disorders (CAADC).
Susan has been working in the field of social work and counseling since graduating from the MSW program at Western Michigan University in 1994. She has had the opportunity to learn and engage in many amazing opportunities over the course of her career, working with both individuals and groups in various settings. These include working in residential settings at Hope Network, doing contractual work at the Kent County Jail while employed at Family Outreach Center, and working with individuals and groups at Cherry Health to address both mental health and substance abuse concerns.
