About Suzette
"Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, the strongest people are the ones who feel it, understand it, and accept it." -Anonymous
I believe we are born with the need to connect with another human being and this connection is essential to our survival. I also believe we should never have to face our life's struggles alone. I feel deeply honored and have a tremendous amount of respect for every family who walks through my door and allows me to partake in their healing journey. Through a collaborative process I have successfully worked with children and families to; strengthen skills already possessed, develop new ones, offer new perspectives, and connect to community resources to support them in meeting their goals.
Trainings/Specialties:
I have training and experience working with infants, children and adolescents, and their parents or caregivers. Common areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, anger management, school refusal, sensory processing disorders, communication skills, parenting, and parent-child relationships. I also have experience working with various systems such as DSHS/CPS, foster care/adoption, and schools. When needed, I work collaboratively with those systems to advocate for my clients and ensure they get the support needed.
I am trained in various evidence based therapies including: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; which helps people process and heal from trauma in a relatively quick manner. I have been trained in Incredible Years; a parenting class that helps caregivers increase parenting skills, learn about child development, and ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship. I also have completed training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy; which teaches parents therapeutic skills to address various childhood behavioral problems in the context of play.
Additionally, I have been training and working in the field of Infant Mental Health since 2011. I work with infants (birth- 5 years old) and their caregivers to support the parent-child relationship, increase communication, and strengthen secure attachment. I utilize interventions in Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, and Family Systems Theory.
Credentials:
I'm a Washington state Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT: LF60417407). I have an additional credential as a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS).
Education:
Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and Family Studies, Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA 2008
Master's of Arts in Psychology specializing in Couple & Family Therapy, Antioch University Seattle,WA 2011
