"Your presentation was so helpful to me as a mother and school counselor, so I know it resounded with many others. It was informative, but also delivered in such a caring, non-judgmental, warm way.”
— HS Counselor, Winter 2019
Therapy
Therapy services are available for adolescents and adults navigating normal life transitions, as well as those seeking support and skills related to issues such as anxiety, depression, divorce adjustment, ADHD and executive functioning deficits. I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults, family therapy, and parenting consultation.
I believe in a strengths-based and research-informed approach to change. You are the expert on yourself and/or your children, and I bring expertise from studying and working for over 25 years with many of the issues you may now be facing. Together, we'll explore your strengths and vulnerabilities and the challenges in your current situation, and we'll set measurable goals for improvement. All of us are the products of our genetics, relationships, and experiences. In a confidential, trusting relationship, we can look at their relative contribution to your situation and identify the best ways to ensure your health and well-being at home and work.
Admissions Testing
I am a evaluator for the Charlotte Area Independent Schools (CAIS) consortium, offering both the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V depending on the age of your child. The administration of this single test provides a uniform, unbiased, and standardized measure that can be used in the admissions process by the various private schools and avoids multiple evaluations when applying to more than one school in the consortium. The testing is appropriate for any child aged 4 and up, who will be eligible for JK/TK, Kindergarten, or Grades 1-4 in the following school year.
Rising JK/TK, K and Grade 1 applications receive the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) Fee: $275.00
Rising grades 2-4 applicants are administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) Fee: $275.00
Optional Feedback Session to review results and recommendations in detail - Fee: $185.00
Information about the participating private schools, along with the Registration Form and application information, can be found on their websites:
Divorce Coaching
Collaborative divorce involves a commitment from parties to seek a non-litigated (no trial) agreement to the dissolution of their marriage. When children are involved, maximizing their emotional security and development requires thoughtful consideration of their unique and changing needs.
Working with a neutral child specialist can help stressed parents create a written plan for co-parenting that focuses on what's right for their children, which may change over time. I help parents identify shared values as they relate to the raising of their children, and commitments that will foster the children’s healthy growth and development. I also use a templated guide that walks parents through situations and considerations that may arise as children are raised in separate households, so that there are plans in place that decrease the potential for discord. Participants in this time-limited process consistently report how valuable it is to the entire family, during the divorce and beyond.
Leadership Coaching
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are critical skills, for both aspiring leaders and those already in the position of developing potential in people and organizations. My coaching partnerships focus on identifying core values that drive motivation, learning to differentiate and manage emotions well, developing confidence for critical conversations, and building resilience skills for the inevitable setbacks. As a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator (CDTLF) my work is informed by the research of Brené Brown and others, along with my clinical and systems training.
Keynotes, Workshops, and Webinars
I deliver keynote addresses, workshops and professional development sessions in corporate, nonprofit, and educational settings by invitation. Examples of topics are listed below, and presentations and training may also be tailored to interest based on alignment with my scope of expertise.
Workshops and retreats are immersive opportunities to deepen learning and engage new practices that enhance the quality of your life, work, and relationships. I give talks on various topics to schools and faith communities, and also conduct groups and wellness retreats. I was personally trained and certified by Brené Brown to deliver workshops using her highly experiential curricula: Gifts of Imperfection™, Daring Greatly™, Rising Strong™ and Dare to Lead™. Additional detail regarding Dare to Lead™ is offered under that tab.
FOR Organizations
Dare To Lead™ Keynotes
Competing Values: Maintaining Integrity in a Global Pandemic
Engaged Feedback: Difficult Conversations in a Virtual World
Flexibility and Boundaries: Which Wins When?
Juggling, Performing, and Walking a Tightrope: Working from Home and Parenting in a Pandemic
Who We Are Is How We Lead: Emotional Intelligence and Daring Leadership
FOR Schools
A Mindful Approach to Building and Teaching Resilience
Defeating Anxiety: Helping Your Teen Build Resilience and Confidence
Juggling, Performing, and Walking a Tightrope: Working from Home and Parenting in a Pandemic
FOR Faith Communities
Wholehearted Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Resilient Children in Beloved Community
Together, Apart: Building Resilience in Fearful, Faithful Community
“She did a fabulous job facilitating the discussions and helping us connect the dots. She was able to get all of the content into two jam-packed days as well in an efficient manner!”
— Workshop participants, Asheville City Schools
“The hands-on experiential pieces were the best (and hardest!) part. Susan was profoundly respectful of the vulnerability we demonstrated, which created the sense of safety necessary for growth."
— Coaching client, Vanderbilt University Director
“Susan was great. I appreciate her pre-planning research and responsiveness to the needs of our group.”
— Workshop participant, Asheville City Schools
“Susan does a wonderful job of creating an environment of safety and trust for discussing topics that aren’t always easy. Our time flowed smoothly, stayed on track, and left me feeling enriched."
— Workshop participant, Episcopal Diocese of NC
