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About

Susan Pitler

I am a New Orleans-based Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating patients with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, or who are experiencing grief and loss. I have over ten years of experience helping clients navigate their feelings, learn new coping strategies, and develop emotional resilience. 

My specialty is in Somatic Therapy, a gentle, proven practice that taps into the body's natural ability to heal. Somatic sessions include talk therapy as well as simple techniques that are designed to release clients from the "body memories" or the shock of past traumas that they have endured. Somatic therapy can ease tension, pain, and other physical symptoms of emotional distress, regulate the nervous system, and help clients get in touch with their self-compassion and a deeper sense of well-being.

As a client-centered therapist, I believe that a good therapeutic relationship is vital to the healing process, and that it is important that every client feels a sense of safety and trust with me before beginning any work.  If you are suffering and in need of help, are interested in how your body relates to your ability to heal from traumatic events, or if you are looking to take the next step in your therapeutic journey, I invite you to contact me. I am dedicated to working closely with every client to identify and address their individualized needs, and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Compressed

Professional Qualifications

I am a relational and strength-based therapist who works with adults, adolescents, children, and couples. I specialize in the treatment of developmental, complex, physical emotional and sexual trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, attachment issues, somatic issues, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

I provide individual, family and group therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Attachment Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Touch Therapy, Internal Family Systems as well as other trauma-informed approaches.  

Education

Master of Science, Clinical Professional Counseling 

Loyola College of Maryland, 2005-2010

Continued Education: Mental Health Counseling, Counseling and Guidance in Diverse Populations

Capella University, 2010

Associations and Qualifications

Member of Good Standing 

American Counseling Association

Certified, Louisiana Board of Examiners

Certified, Board of Professional Counseling Washington DC

Bachelor of Arts, Art History

Sweet Briar College, 1975-1979

Experience

Therapist, Private Practice

Private Practice, New Orleans, LA 2019-2020

Grief and Trauma Psychotherapist

The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, Washington, DC 2014- 2019

Group Counselor/Facilitator

Presented Trainings

GRIEF 101

SELF-CARE AND VICARIOUS TRAUMA

NEUROBIOLOGY OF TRAUMA

NURTURING RESILIENCE: HEALING TRAUMA THROUGH THE MIND AND BODY

Camp Forget-Me-Not, Washington DC 2014-2019

Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

Rochester General Health System, Rochester, NY 2010-2013

Professional Trainings and Certificates

Certificate of Completion: 96 hours of Training in Touching Trauma: Touch Skills Training for Trauma Therapists 

Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, December 2018

Certificate of Completion: 216 hour Somatic Experiencing Professional Training

Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, December 2017

Certificate of Completion: Cultural Competence and Mutual Respect Training

Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, May 2017

Certificate of Completion: Children, Youth & Families Core Skills in Mental Health Managed Care Training Series

University of Buffalo, School of Social Work, May 2012

Training: An Integrative Approach to Increase Assessment Skills Proficiency in Mental Health Services

University of Buffalo, School of Social Work, May 2012

Certificate of Attendance: 4th Annual Bivona Summit on Child Abuse

Bivona Child Advocacy Center, April 2012

Certificate of Completion: Jungian Sandplay Therapy

The Center for Culture and Sandplay February 2008

© 2020 by Susan Pitler, M.S., L.P.C. 

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