Susan Purnell
HI! My name is Susan Purnell and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Missouri, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Maine, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). My experience includes working as a pro bono counselor and clinical supervisor at an area non-profit counseling survivors of intimate partner violence. My expertise includes posttraumatic growth; intimate partner violence; transgenerational themes and expressions of violence; the impact of psychoeducation on violence prevention, identification, and treatment; and PTSD resulting from IPV, war, and familial trauma. I specialize in working with individuals who are high achieving, but experience low satisfaction across many domains of their life.
First session
Our first session is much like a meet and greet. We will get to know each, and depending on how much time we have, complete an intake (information gathering).
Strengths
My counseling style varies and is highly dependent on the client. Likewise, sessions are client-led. I can hold space, but am also comfortable helping client move safely out of and back into their comfort zone.
Ideal clients
Clients I work with are often experiencing life transitions (career change, empty nest, retirement), and those individuals who are high achieving, but experience low life satisfaction. I also have expertise in complex trauma. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and I cater strategies and techniques to the individual and their needs. I would describe my approach overall as strengths-based, and helping clients reach their full potential.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Identify negative thought patterns and identify triggers, challenge distorted thoughts, and developing coping strategies.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Rather than analyzing the causes of problems, focusing on building solutions and identifying existing strengths.