Susanna Curry
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in rural northern California. This is my second career; I transitioned to clinical social work after teaching and directing performing arts programs. I'm specially trained to provide mental health services for infants, young children, youth, young adults, and parents-- but I truly enjoy working with adults in all stages of life! I've provided mental health services in preschool/daycare, educational, medical, and non-profit settings. My passion for community welfare drives my desire to connect with you. My office is located in Shasta County; however, I visit local clients in their homes, in my office, or via telehealth, depending on their preferences and needs. My physical office is currently in transition and will be available for in-person sessions beginning by September 2026.
First session
Our first session together will include active and caring listening. I'm eager to meet you! We'll spend time conversing so that I can get to know you (your strengths, interests, and concerns). Then we can gather other important information about your needs, share information about how therapy works, and work together to develop a vision and goals for what you want to get out of therapy, and a plan for how to accomplish it. During our conversation, I invite you to ask me any questions you might have about who I am or my work as a therapist.
Strengths
My family, friends, supervisors and coworkers will tell you I am "invariably friendly" and "warm and inviting". I genuinely value people and am honored to be trusted with your wellbeing. I'm relationship-oriented; the secret sauce of a therapeutic relationship is unconditional positive regard (respect, compassion, understanding, and authenticity). I'll provide empathic warmth, sensitivity, and a playful sense of humor as we work together. We'll also get down to business! My former and current experience as a director and instructor lends itself to creative, solution-focused collaboration.
Ideal clients
I love working with diverse people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities! Most of my professional experience is with children ages 0-18 and their caregivers, as well as young adults (ages 18-24) whether they struggle with impulse control, defiance, managing their emotions, building social skills, disordered eating, sensory sensitivities, adjusting to change, sleep problems, a history of or current trauma, depression or anxiety. These kinds of struggles must be addressed in the context of caregivers and other service professionals who support them. I'm experienced in engaging clients online and in-person, and knowledgeable in advocacy and interagency collaboration to help individuals receive all the tiers of support necessary for to thrive. Although I specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults, I also have experience in treating adults and elders, and the "sandwich generation" of adults who simultaneously care for their children and their aging parents.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I was extensively trained in MI at University of Southern California (MSW program), and now I teach MI to emerging therapists at the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at Simpson University. I use the essentials of active listening during every therapist-patient interaction because I want to you to be and feel heard, and to develop confidence and self-discovery.
Mind-body approach
I've been trained through education, career, and spiritual/religious practice to adopt a "mindfulness" approach to support the wellbeing of myself and others. Mindfulness can be a lifestyle which cultivates peace and joy. As a therapist, I offer a mindful therapeutic environment, with mindful dialogue and activities (like guided meditation) to support a peaceful "slowing down" for self-discovery, recovery, and calm. My professional experiences as a fitness, dance, music, and theater instructor apply well to working with you to discover your favorite methods for mind-body wellbeing.
Strength-Based
My education and training as a therapist promoted a "strengths-based" approach to working with patients. In other words, patients are to be respected and supported as the remarkable, unique and capable individuals they are. You may or may not be aware of your personal strengths, but I'm committed to working with you to find out what your strengths are, to celebrate them with you, and to put them to use to support your recovery and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Human thoughts, emotions and behaviors, are intricately connected. What and how we think influences what and how we feel, which influences what we do and how we do it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a method I've been trained in; it is used to help a person understand this connection and then to shift their thoughts, emotions and behaviors for their own wellbeing.
Attachment-based
I received a master's-degree level education in attachment theory, and use it like a special lens to understand how people relate to one another. How you attach to others, and how others have attached to you, matters! What is your relationship history? What do you want your current and future relationships to be like?
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1059 Gray Pine Way, Shasta Lake, CA 96019