Suzanne M McLerran LPC-S

I have a casual, conversational style where I like to help you see the strengths within yourself and help you tap into those strengths as you work through your issues and concerns. I am direct in my approach; I use humor at times to help us get through some rough discussions, but never with any intent to be dismissive. I counsel with the premise that you are in control of how far or how deeply you go; ANY progress still is progress.

I use various techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy, to help you identify, analyze, and change any negative self-talk regarding your issues so you can see things from a different perspective. When you can look at something from a different angle, you may realize that you CAN make different choices and get different results over time. With work, you can learn something new about yourself, others, or your personal world. I believe that you do have the power to choose to live in relative peace and contentment.

Our first session is the initial assessment and it is the most structured because there is a lot I have to learn about you in an hour, including what you want to accomplish in therapy. In part, I will ask you questions about what brought you to therapy, get a snapshot of your life, and develop a plan with you to work toward getting your treatment goals met. At the end of the session, we will set up your next appointment which usually is the following week. Then the fun begins! (There's that humor I mentioned.)

• Texas, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, 12067

I have had my license as a professional counselor since 1993. My career involved employment for various social service agencies, as well as positions at residential treatment facilities, community mental health clinics, and psychiatric hospitals. I also worked as a utilization manager for insurance companies as well as doing it from the provider's side in psychiatric hospitals. Now, semi-retired, I focus on my small private practice (I will see up to 12 clients) where I provide telehealth counseling to adults ages 30 and older.