Licensed to practice in New York and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Health/Medical Issues, Life Transitions, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
Hi, I’m Susana Santiago Raza. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience in behavioral science and medicine, my mission is to help individuals experience true healing, freedom, and personal growth. I specialize in trauma-informed care, supporting adults navigating Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, moral injury, grief, and physical adjustment disorders. Much of my career has been dedicated to serving Veterans and their families as they navigate the complex rehabilitation phases following physical or psychological trauma. I utilize an integrative, evidence-based approach. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Having spent significant time working in a physical rehabilitation clinic, I have extensive experience in adapting therapeutic techniques to meet the unique physical, psychological, and cognitive limitations of each client. For those who desire it, I also integrate biblical truths into our work. With dual degrees in Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy, I view each person through the lens of their environment, experiences, stressors, and relational dynamics. I am a lifelong learner, deeply curious about your specific story and how it shapes your well-being. My practice is built on collaboration. While I provide a safe, compassionate space to share your struggles, I am also an active partner in your transformation. I encourage clients to confront the barriers holding them back from their authentic selves. If you are ready for growth and are seeking a purposeful path toward thriving, I would be honored to work with you. My ultimate goal is to equip you with the tools you need to reach a place where you no longer need my support.
Our first session will be focused on getting a good understanding of your struggle and support needs through a review of the intake completed and some additional questions.
My therapeutic style is deeply rooted in flexibility and collaboration. I also believe that therapy is most effective when it is tailored to the individual. Your feedback is central to our work, and I am committed to adjusting our sessions to ensure they always reflect what you need and feel ready to explore. I am happy to hold space for you with warmth and gentle support, or provide more direct, action-oriented guidance when it serves your goals. Because you are the expert on your own experience and I view our time together as a partnership, I prioritize your feedback to shape our sessions, ensuring that we move at a pace that feels safe, meaningful, and effective for you.
My ideal client is someone who is fundamentally open to communicate and deeply committed to the hard work required for personal growth. Because I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach, my approach evolves with your feedback. Together, we will build a partnership that moves at your pace, ensuring that our work is always intentionally tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s gentle support or direct actionable guidance.
When we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), think of us as partners on a team working to understand your inner world. We’ll look at the patterns in your life to see how your thoughts, emotions, and actions all influence one another. Rather than following a rigid set of rules, we use this as a flexible guide to help you recognize what is working for you and what is keeping you stuck. CBT is a practical, team-based approach where we work together to identify unhelpful patterns and build real-world skills to manage them. It’s a flexible process focused on giving you the tools to change how you respond to life’s challenges, helping you feel more in control and capable.
I offer an approach that respects and incorporates your personal values, including your faith. If you wish to integrate Christian counseling or explore biblical truths, I am happy to provide a space where we can weave those elements into our work together. Because my practice is built on your goals and feedback, this is entirely optional—we will only include these perspectives if they are meaningful to your healing journey. Whether you are looking for clinical support, spiritual integration, or a balance of both, I am here to meet you where you are, honoring your beliefs as a core part of your process.
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help you heal after you’ve been through something painful or life-changing. Similar to our work with thoughts and feelings (CBT), we focus on identifying the specific stories or beliefs you’ve formed about what happened, which may be keeping you stuck. Together, we work through those thoughts to release their hold on you, helping you find a sense of peace and a clearer way to move forward.
In couples counseling, I act as a neutral partner to help you both improve how you communicate and connect. Instead of taking sides, I focus on helping you uncover the hidden patterns in your relationship that lead to conflict or distance. We will work together to create a safe space where you can both be heard, while learning practical tools to handle disagreements and rebuild trust. My goal is to support you both as a team, helping you move past old habits so you can build a more intentional and lasting partnership.
In family counseling, I work with your family as a team to improve how you relate to one another and communicate. I provide a neutral space where everyone can feel safe to share their perspective, helping you identify and shift the habits that lead to tension or misunderstanding. Together, we focus on practical ways to support each other and navigate challenges as a unit. My goal is to help you build a stronger, more connected family dynamic where each person feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute to a healthier home environment.