Susan works with adult clients of all ages, from young adults to seniors. She has a particular affinity for counseling those navigating the changing terrain of midlife, as well as working with those recovering from religious trauma. LGBTQ+ affirming, Susan views therapy as an emancipatory practice, and is committed to helping her clients achieve a deeper sense of presence, calm, and freedom in their lives, especially during challenging times.

While acknowledging that we live within systems that are often outside of our individual control, Susan passionately believes that we have the power to change our inner lives by accessing the intuitive self that resides within, a self from which we too often have become disconnected. Depending on whether a client is interested in taking a spiritual or a secular approach, the self can be thought of as the Soul, or simply a wise, compassionate internal guide that we can learn to trust, especially during times of upset or destabilization. Some of the approaches Susan uses to access the self are somatics, parts work (Internal Family Systems), and narrative therapy.

Susan worked as a writer and a teacher for more than two decades before returning to school to become a counselor, graduating with a masters in clinical mental health counseling from Agnes Scott College, where she was the recipient of a President’s Scholar grant. She completed her clinical training at Transitions Outpatient Behavioral Health at Emory Decatur Hospital, during which she led therapeutic groups for clients with significant mental health diagnoses, including bipolar (I and II), major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. 

In addition to her counseling degree, Susan holds an MFA in creative writing from Hollins University, as well as a BA in English from Brown University. She is currently working towards licensure under the supervision of Dr. Carol Pitts, PhD, LPC, LMFT, CPCS.

To schedule an appointment with Susan, please email her at swhite@samaritanatlanta.org