About

Hi! I’m Suzanne- thank you for taking the time to stop by to get to know me.

I am a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, dually licensed in the states of Virginia and Massachusetts. This includes licensure as a Social Worker and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, focusing on both victim issues and sexual or sexually reactive behavioral responses. I use primarily a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment (doesn’t everybody? But it works!) blended with art therapy techniques. But I do like to borrow from other disciplines and theoretical practices. I’m very expressive and love using experiential approaches. I also include an eclectic blend in my practice to engage and to “meet you where you’re at” to ensure the best treatment outcomes to ensure your emotional well-being and stability. But most-of-all, to ensure for your SAFETY! I believe in the importance of a person-centered approach because YOU are the expert on your life, and I explore this from a “strength-based” perspective.

I am an artist, with my true passion for art (stemming from my childhood) resulting in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts and design from an accredited college. My passion for art was unbridled and culminated in my continued studies and education in the field of art therapy. I found that my passion for creating was matched only by my love for children and the desire to help heal emotional pain and address mental health issues. The power of art to heal, empower and engage someone cannot be understated. The process of ‘artmaking’ from start to finish, to include self-exploration and emotional expression can have an unbelievable impact with incredible results. Yes, you can engage in art therapy and art interventions through a tele-med platform. Let me guide you through the “process”! Art coupled with therapy is, in itself, the “process.”

I have extensive knowledge in child and adolescent development and the impact of trauma, with proficiency in the assessment and treatment of at-risk youth and court-involved youth. I have provided expert testimony in multiple cases to offer advocacy on behalf of my adolescent clientele and to appeal to the courts for the treatment and supports necessary to mitigate further court involvement and to avoid incarceration. The best treatment is that which is offered in a youth’s community, where family and community resources can provide support and growth. I believe in the power of “appropriate” treatment to heal and help youth process through their challenges in their homes, schools, and communities, in order to address mental health issues and behavioral challenges. I firmly believe that finding inner strength and self-worth is what translates to success. This is a person-centered approach that comes from finding one’s strengths! Our youth are challenged by a world and a society wrought with violence, racism, crime, deviant imagery and sometimes, ‘not-so-subtle’ messages and images that generate inappropriate behaviors. Through self-awareness and education, negative outcomes can be avoided. It’s all about the process! Come join me: Let’s talk and make art!! I would love to get to know you. I hope you find value in what I can offer and let me into your world! … You can be anything you want to be, but remember, “in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”