Susan Bakker, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Susan Bakker, is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a clinical mental health therapist with a Master's degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, where she graduated with honors, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from University of Iowa. With over 20 years experience in healthcare, Susan has worked with a variety of issues in many different settings. Those settings include an outpatient mental health clinic, community mental health partial hospitalization in Detroit, Hospice and in a hospital working with neurological and psychiatric patients.

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Susan provides a safe space for exploration and healing where clients can find acceptance, compassion and hope. Susan possesses skills in identifying clients' key issues, and builds on strengths to help clients effectively cope and achieve desired goals. She says, “At some point in life, I think most of us, find our coping abilities challenged and emotions overwhelmed by difficulties we encounter. I feel privileged to walk alongside others and provide help at such times.”

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Areas of expertise are trauma/PTSD (including adult survivors of childhood abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence), grief and loss, depression, anxiety, anger, chronic physical and mental illness (including bipolar disorder), traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, life transitions, blended family issues, divorce recovery, single parenting, LGBTQ issues, aging concerns, stress management. Treatment modalities Susan utilizes include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness practices, DBT skills, and family systems.

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When not working, Susan enjoys time with friends, walking her dog, being out in nature, gardening, and biking.