I have worked as a Mental Health Therapist for 30 years and I love my work as much today as the day I started. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addictions Professional. I am honored to join people where they are at on their journey. I focus on positive goals for getting back on track or even transformation. As I realize the courage it takes to come to therapy, I focus on the patient/therapist relationship. There must first be an experience of safety and trust. Then, of course, the therapeutic work will follow. I utilize a warm, relaxed style with fierce reflection or gentle support as needed. I believe that everyone benefits from a therapeutic experience to attain the best version of themselves for the best quality of life. 1 utilize humor combined with therapeutic skills which makes my approach unique. Laughter isn't always appropriate, but it can be very helpful with reframing and bringing down barriers. With so many years of experience and training, I have a broad skill set and utilize multiple interventions to create a unique treatment plan for each person, couple, or family. Some of the modalities that I frequently utilize are: Solution- Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-education, Systems Theory, Emotion Focused Therapy, Behavioral Modification, Skills training and Motivational interviewing/coaching.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

To me, the first session is one of the most, if not the most important session. I call it "Meet and Greet" to lighten the feel. In reality there is a lot to accomplish. This is when we will each decide if we connect. You must feel I am someone you can feel comfortable to speak openly with about very personal topics. You must feel that I can handle the situations you are bringing to the table and I must know professionally that I can. Of course I will have lots of questions about what has brought you to therapy. We will briefly set up a course of action and I will give you a goal setting exercise to do before our next meeting. This is a session that is full of potential.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

It is my deepest desire, first and foremost, to create a bond with my clients so that they feel safe to face the difficulties they have courageously come to therapy to discuss. As the world has changed, so has what is needed in my field. That is to say, as a therapist I must be flexible and sensitive to the needs of my patients. I enjoy working with couples, individuals (ages 9 to 90), and families. Each of these situations require different strategies and approaches. As I have matured in my life and my work I find I am more patient and flexible. My goal is to help you reach your goal. Once again, self compassion is an overall process we will embark upon.

About Suzanne Stokes, HV