About Me And My Approach To Healing

I was first drawn to psychotherapy during a stint working in public health and women’s health. As part of my work, I had a lot of contact with the homeless, IV drug users, and people with dementia. I realized just how significantly mental and emotional health issues can affect our ability to care for ourselves. On the flip side, I learned how important self-care is in recognizing and treating mental and emotional health difficulties. I came to know, from that exposure, that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping those whose psychological challenges were preventing them from living the life they wanted.

I would describe myself as a polymath—one with a unique set of skills, knowledge, and personal interests. This equips me to treat my clients in such a way that gives them coping skills for day-to-day functioning, increases their insight into how they interact with the world, and offers them practical solutions for making changes and improving their quality of life.

I like to say that I help people get unstuck. My approach to therapy is one of collaboration in which I act as your guide to healing. I apply numerous modalities. I’m well-trained in creating a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you, which I will briefly explain below.

The clients who are most successful in my practice are people who are ready to make changes and look within themselves. They are individuals who want to heal old wounds and peacefully thrive. You have the resources and strength within you to help yourself; I just help to draw them out.

I work with a down-to-earth, authentic, and caring approach. My aim is to build relationships that enhance collaboration between client and therapist. In our sessions, I will strive to create a sense of mutual respect in our working dynamic. Together, we will determine what treatment plan or combination of therapy methods is best suited to your needs.

Modalities I Incorporate Into Treatment:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: this is also known as EMDR. This modality is a form of psychotherapy that treats traumatic memories and allows healing through the use of eye movements and other lateral movements. Multiple studies have confirmed a high percentage of efficacy and results can be truly transforming. For most, results are present in just a few sessions, although this varies by the individual.

Psychodynamic therapy: this is a less-complex, more “efficient” alternative to Freudian psychoanalysis, and is both a theory and a treatment.

Rogerian psychotherapy: this is also referred to as Person-Centered Therapy. Developed by Carl Rogers in the mid-20th century. Empathic, empowering, and motivating to the client seeking to take recovery in his/her own hands. Rather than the therapist being in control, the client has the ability to guide as well.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: this is also known as DBT. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. Effective and cognitive, ideal for a range of mood disorders. Addresses unhealthy patterns of behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: this is also known as CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that is versatile, cognitive in focus, and useful for a range of disorders. It addresses thought patterns that hold people back from being their happiest, highest-functioning selves.

Susan Guerrero received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Health Education, and went on to receive her doctorate in Psychology and Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute. She has a certification in EMDR therapy and is a member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Guerrero has worked in the mental health field in a range of capacities for nearly 15 years. Her education and experience has prepared her to handle a diverse range of mental health issues with a broad range of populations. She is adaptable and compassionate; well-equipped to guide people to a healthier way of thinking and a better quality of life