Hi there, I'm Susan!

I enjoy helping people heal from current and past traumatic situations and events. These wounds may look like: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, flashbacks, prolonged grief, addiction, bouts of anger, irritability, health problems, and hopelessness.

My focus

I primarily work with adult individuals but I also have training in working with children and adolescents. Most of my clients have depression, anxiety, childhood abuse histories, sexual trauma, or addiction.

My approach

I use EMDR, client-centered, psychodynamic, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy to tailor the treatment to each person. Recovery and healing are possible. Let's get started!

My communication style

Through compassion, confidential sessions, careful listening, and acceptance, I help people grow and recover from their inner wounds.

My journey to mental healthcare

While struggling with some teenage issues, I met with a psychologist and thought, 'What a great job!' I found myself drawn more to my psychology classes than my genetics classes. I worked with abused kids, battered women, and adults with addictions. I love seeing people find peace and hope again, or maybe for the first time.

My goals for you

Working together, we will set reachable short-term goals and challenging long-term goals so you know where we are headed.

Our first session

During our first session, we will cover some basic practice rules, review limits of confidentiality, discuss some basics about your current situation, and delve into your primary reason for coming to therapy. At the end, we will agree on some treatment goals and confirm our next appointment.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

EMDR

Trauma Focused

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 10 more

Focus populations

Educators

Gay

Immune-Disorders

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian

Police/Fire/First Responders

Queer

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Sex Worker

Single Mother

+ 10 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors
Preteens
Children

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 54 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Clinical Psychology from Walden University, a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions

23832 Rockfield Blvd Suite 130, Lake Forest, CA 92630

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Susan Novak