Suzanne E. Goering, MSW
Licensed Social Worker

We all do the best we can at raising kiddos, but sometimes life can get tough, and feeling overwhelmed is normal. As a parent myself, and now as a licensed social worker, I can come alongside parents and caregivers to offer a listening ear, encouragement, and new perspectives as well as hone problem-solving, relationship, and communication skills!Through play therapy, I use neuroscience principles to help children learn how to self-regulate when they become anxious and stay grounded while processing traumatic memories. I coach parents on how to reinforce this at home. Whatever stage of development you and your children are facing, I would love to talk with you about your joys and challenges. We will work together to develop healthy ways to relate to one another, overcome old patterns, and build on strengths to become more resilient and confident.I create a safe space for children with trauma backgrounds to process experiences and feelings through play and expressive arts therapy. I can communicate with parents in Spanish, discussing ways to navigate raising children in a culture that is different from their own. I am also familiar with Muslim, Chinese, and Korean cultures and am open to learning about other backgrounds. As a “TCK” (third-culture kid) myself, I have deep compassion for kiddos who feel like they don’t belong anywhere and are longing to find ways to connect in their new culture.

I have worked with children and adolescents in various roles for the past thirty-five years, including youth ministry, after-school programs, raising my own children, and facilitating parent support groups.  I can provide care from a faith perspective while also considering a holistic approach that takes into consideration the child’s environment both at home and at school.

I enjoy working with adolescents and have training and experience in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and trauma. I also have experience helping families navigate the LGBTQ landscape. I use an eclectic therapy approach (multi-modal/integrative) that draws on various theoretical orientations and techniques. This allows me to tailor therapy for individual needs with the most effective, research-based methods, including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and expressive arts therapies.

I communicate with parents regularly, while observing appropriate confidentiality to create a safe environment for the kiddos. I welcome questions and honest feedback since I consider my work to be “our work”: a collaboration in the best interest of both child and family. I would love to work with you. Contact me any time at the phone number or email address below.

Are you feeling alone, anxious, or depressed? Are you frustrated with relationships, caregiving responsibilities, or parenting? Would it feel better to communicate in healthier ways and respond with intention rather than “react-then-regret”?Maybe you’re facing a difficult transition, whether leaving home for the first time, starting a family, or navigating midlife changes and responsibilities. Perhaps you’re grieving losses, or dealing with chronic pain.

Coping with everyday life can feel complicated even when we’re at our best; other times it can be overwhelming, confusing, and even scary. Past experiences, trauma, and generational patterns of relating to others can influence our functioning far more than we may realize.

I would love to come alongside you to listen, validate your feelings and concerns, and collaborate with you to create a life worth waking up for each day. I can give you some practical tools for connecting with your family and friends in healthy ways, and caring for yourself with new compassion and kindness.

It takes effort and courage, but with support, it is possible to create new patterns of thinking and relating to the world around you.

Let’s journey together as you take your first steps to heal from past hurts, learn how to regulate your emotions in situations that call for a clear head, and stop those negative thought patterns from taking over your mind so you can nurture the kind of life you’ve been longing for.

I use an eclectic approach to therapy using techniques such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based practices to tackle issues such as negative thinking patterns, anxiety, and depression. We can discuss communication styles, problem-solving, and parenting skills. I have experience tackling intimate partner violence, grief and loss, disordered eating, and self-harm. I like incorporating creative approaches, including expressive arts and role-play.

I believe in researching the best approaches for various issues and tailoring the sessions for each person. Then you can decide what fits best in working together. We can build on your strengths and develop new skills so you can live life with more confidence and joy.

With a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University, and experience living and teaching in South America and Asia, I can provide therapy from a multicultural perspective. I have facilitated support groups for adolescents, women, couples, and parents. Most recently, I provided treatment for clients from all walks of life at a community mental health center.

I understand the unique strengths and challenges of individuals processing reentry into their passport country, feeling they don’t belong anywhere, and longing for a sense of connection and identity. If you experienced frequent transitions growing up but never acknowledged or grieved the inherent losses, you could be at higher risk for depression. I welcome anyone who would like to understand themselves better in this context and gain confidence in their unique strengths.

Are you ready to take the first step toward making positive changes in your life? Would you like to have someone to genuinely listen and care? Call today to set up your first appointment.