Suzanne Opperman (she/her)

Maybe you are someone whose loved one (child, teen, adult child or partner) has become another person wrapped up in their using or maybe an activity that they are obsessed with? I also work with families and friends of those with dependencies. I offer ways to find relief from the anger, fear, and emotional roller coaster of your current situation.

IF you were an adolescent or preteen who tried drinking and smoking at a young age, you are in lots of good company. As most of those with chemical and activity dependencies started at an early age. Your brain did not continue to mature as others your age at the time. If you have chosen to begin to change how you deal with life, stress, and those around you. This is what I'm here to help you work on!

My primary interests are assisting those with dependencies on chemicals and/or activities. Clients state that I provide an accepting and positive attitude as they explain their situation. I assist them with exploring various approaches to seeking recovery. Certified as a substance and activity dependency counselor. Work with Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy through SMART Recovery.

It is through looking at how you feel when emotions come to the surface that you can begin to change how you feel. Change happens one step at a time. Tackling your feelings each time you feel upset, is the beginning of how to change your emotions and feelings.

By discovering someone's goals and wants, is the key to helping them reach their desires of live. Using motivational therapy is a method used in counseling to help people express these thoughts, feelings, and goals. What's important to you is the focus of therapy.

Through the use of Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy by Dr Albert Ellis, a one-time alcohol-dependent psychologist, exploration of causes of urges, triggers, and past experiences, one learns how to work on dependencies. It takes one to desire to become sober as the long term goal.

Certified Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Missouri. Non-12 Step, secular, evidence based approach using Cognitive Behavior Change . SMART Recovery online meetings offer 0ver 50 zoom meetings each week for recovery and 8 zoom meetings for helping Family & Friends in their situation. www.SMARTRecovry.org

My passion is working with Family and Friends of those with chemical and/or activity addictions (dependencies). The approach shared, helps Family & Friends learn how to provide positive support for their Loved One to help them toward the process of change.