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My name is Susan Spehling. I am an LCSW in CA, AZ, NV & OR. I am a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist. I have special certifications in Trauma (CCTP-II) and ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), specializing in trauma/depression/anxiety & amp; marital problems.
My approach
My primary approach in providing therapy is a psycho-educational model, teaching my clients to understand the science behind how our thoughts cause how we feel and behave, not situations. This wonderful, scientific truth helps us learn how we can be in control of our thoughts quickly to begin living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life regardless of the situation.
My focus
I typically work with a wide range of clients, from children, generally around age 10, to adults of varied ages and stages in their lives. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families, with a specialty focus on trauma, depression, resistant depression, anxiety, marital issues, and parenting.
My communication style
My clients can expect a friendly, safe, nurturing environment with open, judgment-free communication. Therapy is definitely work when the goal is desirable to change. Clients can expect intermittent, brief testing to ensure we are meeting their identified, specific, measurable goals. However, every individual can also expect to feel our meetings are enjoyable and designed to be their special space - a place to look forward to coming and seeing a friendly, welcoming face, ready to listen, collaborate, validate, develop a trusting relationship, and meet goals!
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey to becoming a therapist is quite interesting. I intended to be a registered nurse at one point and completed my associate degree in human biology. I learned very quickly that the body and mind exist together, and one cannot be addressed without the other. I started working with indigent individuals and families and offender populations. I found I was drawn toward the stories of people who longed to feel better, not just physically but emotionally. I could relate to that in a very personal way. So, after my own challenging medical diagnosis about 30 years ago, I changed my professional goals to become a clinical social worker and help address the whole body. I am excited to know what drives my clients to come to therapy and do their work as well!
My goals for you
After the initial intake, I ask my clients before the following session to think of at least one long-term goal and two or three short-term goals they would like to accomplish before they graduate from therapy. We will discuss these goals at the next session, so I can assist in making them measurable, achievable, personal, and specific, and then check back with the client for accuracy and feedback.
My first session with you
My clients can expect a friendly introduction, encouragement to ask questions and get comfortable, and the opportunity to discuss their chief concerns for coming to therapy. Then, I will ask some brief questions about their personal and family history related to their current and past mental health, so we can have a great picture of where they are currently in their mental health journey and where they hope to be when they graduate from therapy, in a judgment-free setting. There will likely be some brief baseline assessment/testing to help the client see their progress as we move forward.
