Susan Gibbons, LCP

My Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy

I view counseling as a privilege and a partnership between my clients and myself. There is no more important journey than healing the pain within that hurts, discovering the joys of who you are, creating meaning and purpose in your life, while simultaneously enabling the expression of healthy emotions, developing more secure relationships, and managing life stressors.

I'm known as an 'integrative therapist', which means I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each client's specific needs and goals. I have successfully treated clients with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, PTSD, and complex PTSD. My specialized training includes: EMDR and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CTTP).

I will provide a safe space for you to risk sharing your story: “when you risk sharing what hurts the most in the presence of someone who will not invade you or abandon you, you can discover within yourself what Jesus called the pearl of great price, Matthew 13:46, your invincible preciousness in the midst of your fragility.” (James Finley, Center for Action and Contemplation, 9/16/202). 

I believe our life journey’s are a journey to our deepest truest self, if we have the courage. Counseling requires courage, because our lives get layered over with situations and experiences that may inhibit or scare us from exploring ourselves more deeply. I’ll walk with you on this journey providing a constant companion that helps you navigate the internal obstacles that may lie in front of you. We don’t always know what those obstacles are until the journey has started.

History and Credentials

Susan graduated with honors as a member of Alpha Sigma Nu from Loyola University Chicago’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (a clinical counseling program that integrates faith and spirituality). Susan has been providing mental health counseling services to client’s since 2021. Susan completed her internship with Stenzel Clinical Services, Wheaton IL, between June 2021 - June 2022. Susan was hired by Stenzel Clinical Services after completing the internship and has been providing clinical counseling to clients at Stenzel Clinical Services Wheaton and Schaumburg offices up until joining Mandala Counseling Services in Barrington, IL. Susan gained LPC status in January 2023 from the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.