A native of Germany, Susanne immigrated to the US after completing her graduate studies in psychology at the University of Hamburg. She went on to pursue her California license as marriage and family therapist and, later on, as professional clinical counselor.
Susanne’s experience in the mental health field spans over 20 years, working with various populations in different treatment settings. Those include crisis houses, community clinics, residential facilities, a homeless shelter, a group home for youth, as well as private practice.
Prior to coming to Healthy Connections Counseling Center, Susanne had been a therapist at a veteran treatment center for over 5 years. She became passionate about working with veterans, helping them overcome and manage challenges with addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD. In addition, she moved into the role of a clinical supervisor, coordinating mental health services and training graduate counseling students.
Her repertoire contains elements and techniques from various modalities, including humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy.
With a compassionate, nonjudgmental and collaborative stance, Susanne strives to implement the approach and tools that fit best for each person’s unique challenges, needs and goals.
Susanne is also trained in EMDR which she finds to be particularly helpful in overcoming disturbances related to an abusive childhood environment, unresolved losses and traumatic experiences.