Susan J. Carpenter

LCSW

Ever since I was a child, my life philosophy has been to ""Never give up"". My life experiences of challenge and struggle gave me a heart of empathy for others. In my journey, I learned that we can't'do this life alone, we need other people. My heart's desire to help people who have survived life's toughest challenges. This desire took me to launch a new career with a new purpose. Now i have the privilege of being a therapist. I have been told by clients that I am warm, caring, non-judgmental and funny. The truth is: I am inspired by them. And, as when I was a child, I don't give up on people". I believe there is much hope and healing in the recovery process. I am excited about the knowledge of how the brain heals, and ways we can support that. I tell you, again, ""Never give up."".

First we talk about the rationale behind setting goals; that each of us knows where the client wants to go on this journey,even the direction to go. I like to join people where they are in their present lives; asking what's going well, and what's challenging for them. It is important to explore their values, personal strengths, passions, and interests, past and present. that way, actually setting long and short term goals flows more easily. I like to ask ""What do you want?"", and ""What gets in the way of reaching those goals that is within your control?"'. We then explore these questions in a curious, open and non-judgmental way.

I want to welcome my new client to therapy as we begin a relationship and a new experience. I like to explore what brought them in for therapy, and if they have had previous therapy experiences. i ask them what they like to do, and what they are good at. We explore what they are hoping to gain from therapy. I often describe the therapy partnership as this:" "We are driving a car together, you are the driver and I am the passenger with a brake and a gas pedal. We travel together getting to where you want to go."'