Susie Goldsmith, LCSW, LICSW, BCD

My name is Susie and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am licensed both in Oregon (LCSW) and in Washington State (LICSW). In addition, I have a national credential as a Board Certified Diplomate (BCD) in clinical social work. For over 3 ½ decades I have worked in both mental/behavioral health and as a medical clinical social worker and I’ve have specialized in issues pertaining to depression, anxiety, aging, chronic and acute medical conditions, managing resources and planning for the future.

Knowledge is power, and balanced with self-awareness and mindfulness, anyone can be equipped to face their current situations with a positive attitude. I do not hesitate to offer resources to my clients if that will help them.

Treatment philosophy

My counseling work is a comfortable relationship-based approach where I can assist you in navigating your way through where you are and where you would like to be. My approach is very client-centered, and I believe my clients often know their goals, but need a path to follow for the changes they are seeking, whether it is acceptance, or a strategy with which to move forward. Always empathic, authentic, warm, with a touch of humor, I have a lot of life experience and I believe this helps me understand my clients in most life stages.

My Approach

My approach involves a variety of modalities that are based upon each client’s individual needs and desires. Motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused therapies are my favorite approaches. I will work with you to discover patterns and self-messaging that hinders you from moving forward. The goal is to help you gain balance and feel better and more confidently equipped to meet your personal challenges. I look forward to helping you navigate those challenges!

I am devoted to serving my clients without judgment to gender, race, sexual orientation, financial status, spiritual or religious beliefs. I strive to provide a safe time and space to delve into feelings, thoughts, challenges and to explore options. I provide individual therapy and family therapy to those who may be experiencing:

  • Depression & mood disorders

  • Anxiety, panic & chronic worry

  • Work stress & burnout

  • Intellectual disabilities

  • Relationship issues

  • Caregiver burden/burnout

  • Issues pertaining to aging

  • Grief & loss

  • Adjustment to complex chronic and acute medical issues or conditions affecting both self and loved ones

  • Self-esteem & negative self-image

  • Trauma

  • Anger

  • Social isolation

  • Attention issues & executive functioning challenges

  • Work-life balance

Education and Licenses/Credentials

Education:
Masters in Clinical Social Work (MSW) at Portland State University in 1977.
My specialty was Community Mental Health.

My Licenses and Credential:
Oregon LCSW #370, since 1980
Washington State LICSW #60176698, since 2010
National Credential: Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work BCD #023855, since 1989.

I have lectured various professional groups regarding ethics for clinicians, Advance Directives and Power of Attorney for Health Care. I have been a professional coach for business owners trying to achieve success and a positive personal life at the same time. I have authored numerous articles and was first published at age 19! I have worked with individuals and families in all types of settings including home, office and various health care clinics and facilities. I have provided resources to my clients for aging, chronic or acute health and mental health and spent 20 years working with clients of fiduciaries.

I’m looking forward to providing support and guidance to you and do most of my work via The Healing Haven’s telemedicine HIPAA compliant, confidential therapy platform. If you would like to meet in person periodically, that is possible also!

Pronouns: She/her/hers