My Approach to Helping
Hello! My name is Susan MacIntyre and I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Arizona and Kansas. I have been a licensed therapist for 7 years and a social worker for over 18 years in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, crisis stabilization units, emergency rooms, community mental health outpatient care, intensive outpatient programs for substance use, as well as hospice, hospital, and medical social work. I now run a small private practice utilizing telehealth in both Arizona and Kansas. Over the past 18 years as a social worker, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and support you feel with the therapist you choose. I believe that facing life's challenging experiences with our friends, family, and other natural supports, as well as a therapist you feel connected with, can help us grow and develop into the person we want to be. I would be honored to accompany you through any struggles you are experiencing. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be caring, non-judgmental, and easy to talk to, and they appreciate that I am honest and direct with them. You can expect me to walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself and the way you interact with the world. My therapy approach is strengths-based, client-centered, and individualized. What does that mean? It means we will look at identifying your strengths and how to best use them to achieve the goals you set for yourself in therapy. You won't get a cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all treatment plan. I use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as the main focus is to increase 'psychological flexibility' or 'the ability for mindful, values-guided action...the aim of ACT is to maximize human potential for a rich and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain that inevitably goes with it' (Harris, 2019). ACT provides a focus on the present moment and gives us tools for you to use to feel better sooner. When I'm not 'social working,' I enjoy watching movies, reading, listening to live music, and being outdoors. I have three grown children and enjoy them immensely whenever I can get them home. I have two dogs, Nacho and Otis, who are great company! I enjoy good food, good friends, family, and new experiences. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my availability, so you should always check with me through messaging first to confirm.