Susan Gabica

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University, where I had also previously completed my Master of Education. I originally studied psychology in college and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington. After starting a family, I returned to the UW to obtain a Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Teaching Certificate, and I have been a certified K-8 teacher for over 20 years. My previous experience as a teacher has helped me understand the importance of truly getting to know the whole individual, how to identify their strengths, and where I can best support them. I have worked with a diverse group of families in both a private Christian school and local public school district, and I have deemed it a privilege to be a part of their lives.

Becoming a mental health counselor grew out of a long-standing passion for understanding people and supporting their growth, and I feel blessed to now be serving clients in this role. As a former educator and life-long learner, I love participating in new training courses and looking for certifications that might help me best serve my clients. I have experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, relational/interpersonal difficulties, trauma, and grief. I have especially enjoyed working with women navigating midlife transitions, including the ways hormonal changes can influence ADHD, anxiety, depression, identity, and relationships.

Using a person-centered, attachment-based approach, I help clients better understand the experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped their lives while developing practical tools for meaningful, lasting change. Drawing from evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, mindfulness, and other trauma-informed approaches, I tailor counseling to each client's unique needs and goals. Together, we'll explore your story with curiosity and compassion, identify strengths that support growth, and work toward greater balance and well-being. I take a holistic approach that honors every aspect of who you are, including your emotional, mental, physical, relational, and spiritual health. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and strive to provide a counseling environment where each person feels safe, respected, and genuinely understood. If spirituality or faith is an important part of your life, I welcome incorporating it into therapy in a way that honors your beliefs and supports your goals.