Susan Pollard (She/her/hers)

I use a strengths-based/solution-focused approach to help clients get "unstuck" when they're in an emotional rut and don't know how to get out. My approach helps me to empower clients by helping them identify their strengths and learn how to build upon them.

I have a great deal of experience working with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on issues related to coming out, exploring sexual orientation, navigating relationships with friends, families, and partners, or concerns unrelated to sexual orientation. I've attended trainings to increase my knowledge in working with this population with a particular focus on suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth.

I work with gender diverse clients using a gender-affirming approach. I provide a space where clients can explore their identities and learn to navigate gender-related challenges, for example, discussing what it might be like to share their identities with others or about what coming out means to them. Together we come up with strategies for helping clients feel more comfortable in their own skin while protecting their physical and emotional safety from transphobia.

I see clients as the experts of their lives, not me. I offer evidence-based tools and techniques tailored to fits clients' needs and lifestyles. My role is to offer resources and support until folx are able to use their tools effectively on their own. I prioritize encouraging self-reflection over telling people what to do.

So many times, we are our own worst enemies. Struggles are less about external barriers as much as our perceptions about the world and our capabilities. CBT has been incredibly helpful with my clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and perfectionism.

So many times, we are our own worst enemies. It can be especially difficult to overcome struggles due to our perceptions about the world and our capabilities. CBT has been incredibly helpful with my clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and perfectionism, among others.

One of the big challenges people face is maintaining hope during periods of emotional pain. Solution focused brief therapy has been a great tool for getting my clients out of feeling "stuck" and begin seeing their options for their lives. When we recognize we have options, we can finally problem-solve and relieve the emotional pain.