About
My Approach
My therapeutic stance is client-centered from a person-in-environment and cultural perspective. The quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client is paramount. It's through this relationship that healing and growth occur. I join a person-centered and direct approach to initiate change. I understand the unique struggles faced by people of color and within the LGBTQIA community; and am committed to providing culturally affirming care to those exploring diverse relationships.
In both individual and couples work, I utilize Relational Life Therapy (RLT) developed by Terrence Real. RLT examines the long-held “losing strategies” individuals adopt in their interactions, such as control, walled-off withdrawal, passive aggression and blame. I utilize "loving confrontation" to help clients become aware of negative behaviors that impact their relationships. Many therapy models teach you skills, the RLT approach works with the part of you that doesn't want to use them. We explore how early experiences shape present-day interactions, and then learn concrete tools and skills like direct communication, conflict resolution, and boundary setting. You will learn to relate well and be relational with those around you.
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a lens helpful for clients working to move away from perfectionistic, rigid, and obsessive thought behaviors. Practiced both in the individual and couples work, RO-DBT utilizes a direct skills-based approach to increase openness, flexibility, and to learn tolerance for vulnerability. Clients gain tolerance to reframe perceived threats and move towards vulnerability to connect and move past the fear of rejection.
Background & Training
I bring a blend of clinical training, real-world experience, and ongoing consultation to my supervision work. Some highlights of my background:
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Developed by Terry Real and the Real Life Institute for Couples and Individuals to build greater intimacy, vulnerability and to decrease grandiosity, shame and build self-esteem to live relationally
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Skills for over-controlled coping; Decrease Rejection Sensitivity; OCD, Autism Spectrum, Disordered-Eating
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Mindfulness /Emotion Regulation / Interpersonal Skills / Distress Tolerance
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Parts work / Family Roles
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Trained with Juliane Taylor Shore – leading educator, therapist and author in interpersonal neurobiology and boundary work
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Examines how early childhood relationships with caregivers influence an individual's ability to form healthy relationships later in life
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I am able to provide a varied occupational perspective and world experience. After 15 years in a corporate business environment I decided to build a life more fulfilling helping others! First working in non-profits, then the healthcare sector, ultimately to group private practices, and now personal private practice.
ABOUT
Susan Kearney, LCSW-S
I practice relational living in my daily life with clients, with my partner and my son, and with my family and friends. I find personal joy and fulfillment working with my clients. It truly is an honor to walk alongside my fellow travelers! In my personal time, you’ll find me outside, usually on a hike with my son and Golden Doodle Rooster or on a casual workout or run. I love traveling for live music concerts, camping, or enjoying food and laughing with friends. Life is an adventure, so I try to get out and experience it!
I received Bachelors degrees from University of Texas at Austin, and University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. I always say, my younger self (ruled by perfectionism) allowed me to have multiple careers. I have worked in Training, Public Relations, Sales, and after my own therapeutic work, finally wanted to help others in a different way. I decided to return to school to earn my Masters in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus in Substance Use Disorders and Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders studies. My clinical practicum included working with clients re-entering the workforce after release from the criminal justice system, with a specific focus in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) at Ascension Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program. I am passionate about working with other social workers to support other mental health professionals in their personal and professional journey. I work as a Clinical Supervisor for social workers progressing with clinical hours and working to earn their LCSW licensure. If I can help you on your clinical journey, more information about supervision can be found here.
