Meet Susie Thompson-Doering, LMSW
Therapist for Life Transitions in Ann Arbor, MI
Bring peace, direction & connection back into your life.
Susie Thompson-Doering, LMSW Therapist for life transitions Ann Arbor, MI
You can feel like yourself again, learn how to cope & become resilient, and to move forward with intention.
You’re in the right place.
You’ve spent a lot of your time meeting everyone else’s needs: those of your spouse, children, boss, parents, friends…and somewhere along the way, you lost sight of your goals, your dreams and desires, your Self.
You want to heal from past hurts and be able to lay your burdens down. You want to make healthy changes in your life but aren’t sure where to start. You want to be seen, heard, understood and valued for the unique woman that you are.
Together, let’s find YOU again! In your sessions, we can identify problem areas to address, thinking/behavior/communication patterns that are no longer working for you, and help you to identify realistic goals in making effective changes in your life.
In processing the past as needed, and dealing with the present, we can work together to help you move into the future with helpful strategies and skills, as well as a healthier, hope-filled perspective.
Your sense of well-being matters.
Your time is valuable. Convenient telehealth (phone or video) and/or in-person sessions can be scheduled weekly or biweekly depending on your needs and availability.
Our time together is protected. Just for you, our sessions are a time for you to process your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a judgement-free environment. My priority is to make each session a safe place for you to share, reflect, heal and grow.
As a woman in midlife myself, I’ve been around long enough to understand and help with some of the issues you might be facing in your life…
Clients describe me as someone who genuinely cares about them, who is easy to talk to and who can help them see the best in themselves. They appreciate my experience in helping them to grow in self-confidence, grow stronger in handling life’s challenges and grow in regaining a sense of empowerment in their lives.
I love working with women at this stage in their lives because they are journeying through life’s complexities. They themselves are layered after years of roles, experiences and expectations, yet are looking for understanding, someone to talk to and sometimes a fresh start.
Your connection with yourself and your loved ones are such important parts of your life. Yet, maybe you’ve noticed uncomfortable patterns you’ve just put up with in the past. You are recognizing the need for something to change. I’m uniquely equipped to help you sort through relationship dynamics with your partner, children, adult children, step-children, in-laws, siblings, aging parents, friends.
Hot flashes, night sweats, weight fluctuations…all familiar experiences in my 50-something life. Your doctor may be guiding you through the physical symptoms, but how are you doing emotionally? What needs to change for you to thrive during this time in your life? Improving mental health for women going through peri- or who are post- menopause is something I care about deeply.
I, too, have suffered some devastating losses and understand the grieving process whether your losses entail death, divorce, severed relationships, disillusionment with your faith, job loss or giving up on a dream. Making space for you to grieve, grow and make meaning of your particular losses can be part of our work together.
Certainly, mental health has become a hot topic in our world today. As a licensed clinical social worker/psychotherapist for over 10 years, I have worked with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as other mental health concerns. I offer a safe space to talk about what worries you, what you’re struggling with and how to cope in healthy ways.
My approach with my clients is to properly assess their unique situation and needs, collaboratively set goals and then get to work! I use a variety of evidence-based practices (for example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Interpersonal Psychotherapy) and tools (boundary setting, grounding techniques, Enneagram work, bibliotherapy) for therapy sessions, customized for each client.
My guiding principles
Authenticity
Developing a genuine, nonjudgmental relationship with you that is built on truth, respect and acceptance. Showing up for you with integrity and being present for you.
Curiosity
Acknowledging that you are the expert on you, asking questions that unlock your heart, challenge patterns of your thoughts and allow you the space to consider new possibilities.
Intentionality
Designing a treatment plan that is meant for you, focusing on your individual strengths & needs; providing room to build & practice skills and helping you clarify your values, so that you can embrace living by them.
Growth
Committing to being a life-long learner, believing that my growth can encourage and support yours. Leaning into learning from mistakes, offering grace, doing the work together.
Education & Licensure:
Licensed Master Social Worker, Michigan
Master of Social Work, Interpersonal, Mental Health, from University of Michigan 2012
Medical Social Work Internships at:
UM Ypsilanti Health Center
UM Cardiovascular Center
Bachelor of Arts: Special Education | Learning Disabilities from Hope College 1987
Training:
Certified Grief Informed Professional, Evergreen Certifications
Level One Training in Gottman Methods Couples Therapy
Mental Health Coach First Responder Training through Light University/ American Association of Christian Counselors
Specialized training including treatment of Anxiety and Depression, Motivational Interviewing, Grief Counseling, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cultural Competency, Trauma-Informed Practice
Professional Affiliations:
Member National Association of Social Workers, Michigan Chapter (NASW)
Member of The North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW)
Life transitions counseling with Susie Thompson-Doering, LMSW