Suz Cuellar

I am Suz Cuellar, a Trans and Queer Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Gender Studies and 13 years of experience in community mental health. The approach I take to therapy is based on harm reduction, trauma-informed care, community care, and curiosity. My areas of focus are: working with LGBTQ2IA+ and TGNC youth and emerging adults, who are experiencing major life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, gender dysphoria, and sexual identity exploration.

My approach

My approach to therapy is that all people deserve to have the opportunity to experience a safe, kind, and welcoming space to explore their mental health and that as a therapist, it is my job to nurture that. Most of the work I do is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Theory. I also utilize mindfulness and somatic techniques, as well as art therapy when appropriate.

My focus

I am open to working with people who have a wide variety of identities, and I work best with those who are a part of the LGBTQIA2+ population. I typically work with preteens, teens, and emerging adults as my style tends to fit well with those age groups. Conditions and symptoms that I have the most experience working with are ADHD, healing from IPV, depression, trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, grief, gender exploration, and sexual identity exploration.

My communication style

My communication style is curious, trauma-informed, thoughtful, and accommodating to a variety of possibilities. I am straightforward and direct, with a delivery approach of kindness and harm reduction. Therapeutic relationships are important, and I work to ensure that my communication is open and welcoming to vulnerabilities.

My journey to mental healthcare

I believe that ultimately, therapy is community care work for both the client and practitioner. When a person makes the decision to utilize therapy to work on symptoms and behaviors that are negatively impacting their lives, they're choosing to work towards meeting their unique needs. This choice affects not just them, but anyone they come into contact with, as a better understanding of who we are leads to more true interactions with those we are in community with.

My goals for you

I believe that goals should not be static, and open to the possibility of change. When working with clients I like to set initial goals with them during our initial sessions that give us a path forward in our work. It is also important to revise those goals throughout our work together to ensure the safety, accessibility, and purpose of them.

My first session with you

During the first session, I will introduce myself, talk about my approach, and ask the client to provide me with some information about what has pulled them to be there. The first session is information gathering for both myself and the client, as it is an opportunity to determine if we are a good fit. First sessions can offer clients a host of overwhelming feelings, and I am to provide a space that lessens anxiety and cultivates surety.