Susan Oliver, MFT

Individuals · Young Adults · Adults · Older Adults

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
License No: MFT 19675

About My Practice

I believe that an open, unblocked heart brings us genuine happiness as human beings. So often, however, the painful things that have happened to us prevent us from truly experiencing all that life has to offer. We may feel anxious, unsure of ourselves, confused about our feelings, and uncertain about what we want in life.

As a therapist I will be genuinely there for you. Talking together in a safe and non judgmental space, there is room for whatever is on your mind. Through exploring your life experiences you can come to know and understand yourself, to make sense of your current situation, and begin to move towards the quality of relationships and life you really want.

I work with individuals of all ages, and in all stages of life, and have many years of experience with issues of grief and loss, as well as the unsettling changes that beset us all. Although we always pay attention to psychological and emotional issues, I also enjoy working with people who are interested in looking at their lives through a spiritual lens, or who have been troubled by spiritual or religious issues in the past. I look forward to helping you look at your life with kindness, compassion and clarity, and to hearing whatever might be troubling you.

Professional Interests:

• Discovering patterns that cause unhappy relationships: replacing old ways of behaving with new responses that lead to happier and more fulfilling connections with others
• Increasing confidence and self-esteem: letting go of self-criticism and judgments and developing greater self acceptance
• Managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other difficult feelings
• Recovering from growing up in dysfunctional or abusive families
• Dealing with challenging life transitions: relationship breakups, divorce, death of loved ones, serious illness

Education:

• M.A. from John F. Kennedy University at Orinda, CA, 1981

Experience / Training:

Over 20 years in private practice working with individuals and couples, 12 years as a family planning counselor.

Professional Affiliations / Activities

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• Institute of Noetic Sciences