Overtime, her worry
and fear became unbearable. In addition to the many physical
symptoms of anxiety, such as the persistent feelings of impending
doom, inability to relax, insomnia, agitation, and panic attacks,
she became despondent and depressed.
To try and ease her fears, she developed a number of unhealthy
obsessions and compulsions, including becoming rigid in her
patterns of living. For example, she allowed herself to only
shop on certain days of the week and pay bills on others. Everything
she did became organized and habituated.
She also became hyper vigilant about her personal safety.
For example, she always checked for exits when in new places,
and then developed escape plans in case she felt threatened.
While this seemed to lessen her fears somewhat in the short-term,
over time she became increasingly despondent and cynical about
all areas of her life. Eventually, Sue realised this was not
healthy. In an attempt to regain her health, she entered therapy.
Therapy helped Sue understand and successfully address the
underlying factors associated with her anxiety and depression.
After two years of therapy, she was able to overcome her anxiety
and depression and completely eliminate her symptoms. Sue has
been symptom-free for over six years.
In addition to Sue’s personal experience and victory
over anxiety and depression, she brings with her a wealth of
professional abilities and experience. For example, Sue worked
as a Registered Nurse within public and private health services
for over 25 years. This work has given her the ability to walk
alongside people from all walks of life.
Sue is compassionate, kind, recognizes the value of every
human being, and strives for excellence with a generosity of
spirit, openness of dialogue, and a refusal to allow prejudice
or ignorance to isolate.
Sue’s personal and professional experience encompasses
all areas of mental health and drug and alcohol abuse. From
individuals to large groups, she has facilitated many sessions
that deal with anxiety, grief and loss, suicide, self-harm,
and depression. She also has facilitated Stress Management,
Anger Management/Assertiveness Skills, and Relaxation Programs.
In 2005, Sue was awarded a Bachelor of Ministry through the
Baptist Theological College, in Sydney, Australia. In 2007,
she completed a Masters of Counselling degree with a major
study in Psychotherapy through the Wesley Institute for Ministry
and the Arts.
Sue resides in Sydney, Australia, with her three adult children
living nearby. She currently attends Concord Baptist Church.
Susan lives in Australia, and therfore her counselling hours
are 2 PM – 9 PM, Sunday to Thursday for those in North
America (in the Western Hemisphere), and 8 AM – 4 PM,
Monday to Friday for those living in Australia (in the Eastern
Hemisphere).
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