Susan Pagels

Life isn't always easy, and you don't have to face it alone. Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist is an important first step. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

With more than 25 years of counseling experience, I work with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, relationship concerns, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. While my professional background includes school counseling, my primary focus is individual therapy, helping clients develop practical coping skills, increase self-awareness, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

My clients often tell me they appreciate how easy I am to talk to and how comfortable they feel sharing their thoughts and concerns. I believe every person has unique strengths, and I tailor therapy to the individual using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, and other techniques that best fit each client's needs and goals.

My lifelong background in the performing arts has also shaped my work as a therapist. Creativity, music, storytelling, and expressive techniques can be powerful tools for healing, communication, and growth, especially when working with children and adolescents.

Whether you're facing a difficult time or simply looking for a place to grow and heal, I would be honored to work alongside you. Together, we'll build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and help you move toward a life that feels more balanced, confident, and fulfilling.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as CBT, , and person-centered techniques while building on each client's unique strengths.

During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know one another and discussing what brought you to therapy, your concerns, and your goals. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share at your own pace, and leave with a better understanding of how we can work together.