Susan D. Walker, MA, LMHC Counseling
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About Me
help            hope            heart

I believe spirituality to be of great importance in psychological and emotional health. Without imposing my beliefs, I am happy to talk about spiritual issues with you if you so choose.

More below.

Currently I  am a registered therapist, in private practice working with adults and children (using Art & Play Therapy Techniques for both) at Restoration Counseling Services. Previously, I have been a therapist at Northwest Family Life (NWFL) and why an intern at NWFL, I oversaw therapeutic group experiences as a Children’s Advocate for children whose mothers’ were attending simultaneous women’s groups.

I have achieved
a Master’s in Counseling from Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, WA. I have graduated from Northern Illinois University holding both a BFA in Painting with a French minor in 1981 as well as a BS in Education with an Art emphasis in 1984. I have also completed several Continuing Education courses at Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago from 1995-1999. Previously, I was an elementary art teacher in the Oak Park School system in the mid 1980’s. I have spent the last 15 years in a ministry environment/context, as either a leader of Small Groups, a lay teacher for Single Adult Ministry, Marketing Director (Conferences and Resources), and Content Development Director, for the Willow Creek Community Church/Association in South Barrington, IL. While in Seattle, I have held the positions of Director of Admissions & Marketing for King’s Schools, Executive Director of Development at Life Choices and Account Representative at 820 AM KGNW. Between 2004-2009 I had the priviledge of both hosting and co-hosting call-in counseling program on that same station.
 

My theoretical approach
to counseling draws from Existential, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, and Interpersonal Processes. Because I place great importance on both interpersonal and therapeutic relationships, my approach to counseling is based on building a healthy therapeutic relationship with each client.
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This approach provides a safe environment whereby clients can discuss, learn, and practice ways of relating for themselves. I value creativity and will sometimes assign homework that encourages individuals to find ways in which they can find help, hope, and healing via creative means.


I also have a Therapy Dog, Lilly, who will be in many of the sessions, as I believe animals provide their own unique contribution to the therapeutic process.