CLINICAL INTERN
Pronouns: She/Her
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest and for more than 18 years have practiced community-based architecture in the region, where I developed a deep ability to listen to and understand the complex needs and struggles of people from all walks of life. Working closely with communities, I learned the importance of empathy, collaboration, and seeing situations from multiple perspectives, skills that now deeply inform my work as a therapist.
After the birth of my second child, I found therapy to be a powerful tool in processing my emotions, identifying roadblocks, and finding realistic and constructive ways to move forward. This personal experience inspired me to change careers mid-life and become a therapist.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, parenting struggles, and identity-related concerns. My approach is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I aim to create a safe and affirming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences and develop meaningful solutions.
As a socio-culturally attuned, systemically informed, neurodivergent, and gender-affirming therapist, I bring a client-centered, strengths-based perspective to my work. I see clients as the experts of their own lives and collaborate with them to explore challenges, process unresolved emotions, and address patterns that may be holding them back, guiding them toward greater fulfillment and resilience.
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Systemic Therapy, Attachment-Based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and families, The Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Play Therapy. I hold Gottman Level 2 Training certification.
I provide both in-person and virtual sessions and work with individuals, couples, and families.
In 2006 I earned my Bachelor of Architecture from the California College of Architecture. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch University.
I am passionate about working to empower others so they can build stronger connections, navigate life’s challenges, and find practical tools for emotional well-being. I am committed to providing a safe and professional therapeutic space for my clients to move at their own pace to process emotions and work toward their unique therapeutic goals.
Outside the counseling room, I love spending time with my family playing board games, taking our cockapoo, Honey Bear, for a walk or going camping with our cozy teardrop trailer.
Suzanne is a bachelors-level clinical marriage and family counseling intern at Twin Lakes Counseling supervised by Trisha Leonard (License LW61014335; NPI 1174841571).
