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Hi, I'm Suzanne McLerran, and I have been a licensed professional counselor in Texas since 1993. I like to help adults, ages 25 and up, navigate around and through obstacles to get to a place of feeling competent to face whatever life may throw at them.
My approach
I use a variety of therapeutic tools, appropriate to the client and the issue at hand. Often, cognitive behavioral therapy is used to identify possible thinking errors and positive psychology techniques are taught that help a client feel grounded, calm, and in the present moment. I teach coping skills when a client needs help with setting boundaries or problem-solving, for example. I look at how a person's upbringing may have impacted how they view their world and if that perspective still works for the client.
My focus
I worked for many years in community mental health clinics and other settings helping people cope with serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Oftentimes, poor self-esteem exacerbates depression and anxiety, so addressing it can help in mood management. Sometimes, life gets messy, painful, or overwhelming. I want to help my clients look at these issues, figure out how to deal or cope with them, and come out on the other side having learned something about themselves, others, or their personal world with a sense of peace and contentment.
My communication style
I have a casual, conversational style when I work with my clients. I like to help them see the strengths within themselves and help them tap into those strengths when they are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, or self-esteem concerns. My clients learn how their self-talk may be a contributing factor to their problems. I help them learn new ways to think about those issues. I like to use humor to help ease the difficult parts of the conversation, but never to make light of an issue.
My journey to mental healthcare
I get tremendous joy from seeing my clients go from a place of despair to one of hope. Even if the needle moves only a bit, it's still moving in the right direction. Let's carry on!
My goals for you
When looking at the goals of treatment, my clients are empowered by knowing that they are in control of themselves and their choices. That is both empowering and eye-opening. They, themselves, determine how they will respond to life’s surprises and challenges.
My first session with you
During the first session, I want to get to know my client and the reason for seeking therapy, so I look over any forms they submitted, discuss them, and ask a lot of questions. Then I listen with interest to what my client has to say. Based on the information shared, I form a diagnosis, and my client and I work on making a treatment plan to address the concerns relayed. I also review administrative items, like HIPAA and confidentiality. Lastly, I make an appointment for the next session at a time that works for both of us.
