Susan Martinelli

Hi. I'm Susan (Simmons) Martinelli and, simply stated, "I love people"...every individual one. I have over 30 years' experience in the mental health field with people who may also suffer with substance use and addiction or vice versa. The two often go hand-in-hand and it can be a devastating and life-changing moment to realize you possibly have either a mental illness and/ or a substance/ alcohol use problem. I simply want to help you find your healthy path...whatever that is for you. I look forward to learning about you as a person and what we can accomplish together.

In my opinion, therapy is not about anyone having a disorder, it's just about everyone having different experiences and problems in their lives that need to be explored. You are an individual with a specific life background. Learning more about how our thoughts about ourselves came about and how they influence our behaviors can be life-changing, helping you be healthier and happier in the long-run. For this reason, I mostly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) where we talk about these beliefs that are often subconsciously affecting our lives. In other words, digging into what makes you believe what you do about yourself can help identify what needs to change or improve. I also use motivational interviewing, where we process how ready you are to make any changes. Together, let's learn something about you that you love and that you think is problematic!

It's important to assess your goals and what you want to be better in your life, whatever that is. We all need a safe space to be our authentic selves without judgment. Therapy is that place when you are with me, regardless of how embarrassed or fearful you are of telling anyone because I am like your own personal vault. There is full acceptance of you just as you are when you are talking to me. What you tell me goes into a space reserved just for you. The only time I have to break confidentiality would be if you truly wanted to kill yourself or someone else, or if there is current child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse occurring. Safety is key to your success, and we will work together to get you the treatment you are needing. Come explore your life with me as a genuinely supportive, caring, warm, and empathetic co-explorer.