Susan Parkins

Welcome! My passion is to help people resolve issues and find more satisfying ways to experience their lives. I offer empathy and compassion and work to create a safe space for you to explore and process your thoughts and feelings. Many of my clients comment that I listen well. Your emotional safety is my priority. When you leave my office, I want you to feel heard and cared for.

This is my third career. I began as a preschool and elementary school teacher. From there, I directed a church children's program and then one for women. In the course of my church work, I was introduced to counseling and enjoyed it. With encouragement from friends and family, I pursued licensing. I love helping people navigate life.

I work with couples and individual adults. A lot of my focus is on abuse recovery, especially childhood sexual abuse. I also work with anxiety, depression, codependency, grief, spiritual issues, and life transitions.

I tailor my approach to my client, but my predominant therapeutic style is cognitive behavioral. I believe our thoughts affect our feelings, and those affect our behaviors. I help you identify what keeps you stuck and equip you with practical skills to help you navigate your relationships with yourself and others.

We work together to establish your therapeutic goals. Many of my clients have experienced some form of powerlessness, and I want you to feel empowered in your own process,. Therefore, I will lead but never force or manipulate you to do something against your will.

Your first session is primarily a chance for both of us to get to know each other and establish therapeutic goals. I collect some personal and family history to help me understand you better and learn how I might serve you most effectively.