Meet Susan

Hi, my name is Susan Brooks.

I am continually amazed and inspired by the stories I hear of people’s lives, which often go untold outside of the counselling room. I place a high value on the extraordinary uniqueness of each person, as well as their relationships and circumstances.

A bit about me

I am a warm and understanding person. My approach is to listen compassionately to the challenges a person is facing and changes they are hoping for. Most people come to counselling wanting to improve their personal well being and quality of life in some way. I focus on discovering a person’s strengths and provide evidenced based strategies to clarify issues, explore concerns, and provide skills to manage difficult situations.

These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Stress Management and Communication Skills, Relaxation strategies, Psychoeducation, Family Systems Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy.

I enjoy working collaboratively with people and tailoring interventions to each individuals needs and preferences.

Personally, I enjoy switching off by swimming, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I am married and a mother of 4 adult children.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Work (UNSW)

  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)

  • Graduate Diploma Relationship Counselling (AISR)

  • Art Therapy Certificate

  • Prepare/Enrich Accredited & FOCCUS Facilitator Training

Professional Experience

Susan has been a Social Worker for over 30 years and worked in Government, not for profit and faith based organisations both in Australia and UK, in roles offering counselling, coaching, mentoring and education. These include:

  • NSW Hospitals,

  • Chailey Heritage,

  • Relationships Australia,

  • HammondCare,

  • Carers Gateway, and

  • Catholic Care.

Before commencing work in private practice, Susan worked at Northern Beaches Palliative Care Service as a Bereavement Counsellor. She has extensive experience counselling people grieving the loss of someone who has died.

Susan has experience supporting people who:

  • are caring for someone with chronic physical/mental health conditions or life limiting illnesses.

  • have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness.

Susan has worked for over a decade for CatholicCare providing pre marriage education and relationship counselling to couples using Prepare/Enrich and FOCCUS programmes. She specialises in helping couples develop their unique relationship strengths as a springboard to growth and resilience.

Ready to book an appointment?

Start with a free 15 minute introductory call to discuss available services and to answer any questions you might have.