ABOUT ME –
I love working with individuals, couples, and families, supporting a health psychology model of care. My clients describe my style as collaborative, grounding, and empathetic, facilitating soulful growth for them to navigate overwhelm and change. They tell me I’m easy to talk to, patient, and warm, nourishing tears, reflection, silence, and laughter at just the right moments. My colleagues describe my care as strong yet gentle, focussed yet fluid.
Grounded in neuroscience, I gravitate to emotion-focused care with somatic and polyvagal theory influences, leaving room for additional evidence-based informed-care through modalities such as: Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal family Systems Therapy; and, Gottman Method Level 1 / Treating Affairs and Trauma. The modalities and interventions are collaboratively selected in therapy based on a multitude of variables like: client’s preference, experience, suitability, tolerance, readiness, and flexibility.
After 25+ years in the field of exercise science and education (B.Kin. & M.A.Ed.), I began transitioning to clinical psychology, inspired by the intersection of existential phenomenology and ecological psychology. The way we perceive or engage with our environments, and how we embody their elements (emotionally and physically) provides a powerful relational framework for sustainable healing and growth in therapy. I work from this space of compassionate-enquiry ensuring a client-centred and trauma-informed approach to my work.
I am currently in good-standing as a professional member of the Canadian Certified Counsellor designation (CCPA-C.C.C.) and am awaiting my registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & THERAPY FOCUS –
Drawing from a career in kinesiology, I returned to school for a second graduate degree to pursue her Master of Counselling Psychology from City University of Seattle, including an eight-month counselling internship at the Calgary Counselling Centre which provided additional specialized training in
• treating depression actively and experientially,
• non-suicidal self-injury and anxiety management,
• crisis de-escalation, and
• trauma-informed counselling for children and families experiencing intimate partner violence.
There, diversity, equity, and inclusion were practiced cornerstones of care that Susie carries with her to Mountain Therapy.
AREAS OF PRACTICE:
• Depression / Anxiety / Self-Esteem
• Neurodivergence
• Grief & Loss / Trauma
• Relationship Issues / Family Dynamics
• Life Transitions & Meaningfulness
• Athlete Coping, Resilience, & Recovery
• Performance Expectations & Burnout
• Identity Search & Identity Shifts
• Lifestyle Changes / Getting Unstuck
• Substance Abuse / Disordered Eating
• Sleep & Recovery
