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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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