Susannah Amezquita, MA, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
(206) 388-3929 | [email protected]
Over the last 20 years I have worked with families, children, and teens to identify solutions to various difficulties. I have also witnessed in my own life and the lives of others that through Christ and the truth of His Word, we have clear guidance about how to face and endure trials and grow in faith as we continue to live with and work through the difficulties of life.
Oak Harbor – Tue & Wed
Online (WA Only) – Tue & Wed
With patience, care, and concern, I will listen to your story and help you determine the best treatment plan for your needs. We will identify unhelpful habits or thinking patterns that may be hindering your growth and take steps toward making change, with God’s guidance and direction. If you’re looking for support to overcome anxiety, symptoms related to ADHD, grief, trauma, codependency, depression, or other concerns, I would be honored to witness the Lord’s work in your life through your Christian counseling journey.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
My goal as a Christian counselor is to have a positive impact on my clients using a biblical worldview. It will always be my prayer to help clients find healing using the truths from God’s Word in conjunction with proven therapeutic methods and techniques. My hope is that each of my clients will grow in their understanding of who God is and who they are as a unique individual made in His image with particular God-given gifts and talents to be used for His glory.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I offer a safe, welcoming space for discovery, in which you can feel free to share the concerns that brought you into therapy. Using a biblical worldview, together we will work to address the problems and concerns that you share. Sometimes what appears to be the problem is only the symptom of a deeper problem. We will also discuss habits or thinking that may be resulting in unfruitful outcomes, and find alternate ways to process that will be more helpful and productive.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
My faith informs my life and my existence. It cannot be separated from any area of my life. I have lived out my faith in my own life and have learned that God’s Word holds the truths, guidance, and answers to our deepest needs, hopes, hurts, healing, and questions we have in this life. I am grateful for the opportunity to work from a faith-based perspective in order to offer the lasting hope that can only be found in Christ.
Qualifications & Experience
I hold a Master of Arts in Education and School Psychology with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Fresno Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University, Fresno.
My Call to Christian Counseling
I began my career counseling children along with their families in order for children to have better outcomes in school. Involved was a lot of listening and guidance around parenting skills and behavior management. I also had a play therapy room where I met with children, practicing and modeling prosocial skills as children played. This new path into counseling as a career came about by the Lord’s leading. Although counseling has been a part of my previous career, the move into private practice has been Lord led.
More About Me/On a Personal Note
I love reading and learning about the Lord and studying His Word on my own and in fellowship with others. I love spending time with my family and friends, and spending afternoons at local nurseries dreaming about all the plants I’d love to plant. I enjoy growing a vegetable garden and planting roses, sewing, baking sourdough bread, reading, and finding new recipes to cook for my family. I feel like there will never be enough time to do all the things I love!
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- Abandonment and Neglect
- ADHD
- Anxiety/Fear
- Coaching
- Counseling for Children (9 years or older)
- Counseling for Teens
- Codependency
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Individual Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Spiritual Development
- Trauma
- Women’s Issues
ADHD
Over the last 20 years I have worked with many students who exhibit signs and symptoms of ADHD. Often this brain difference is viewed as a weakness, and yet what is often overlooked is that it can be an amazing strength. ADHD differences among individuals can manifest in different ways and the spectrum of strengths and weaknesses is broad. We will work together to help you understand ways in which you can use the strengths you have and recognize weaknesses and how to manage them.
Anxiety
Anxiety and fear have always existed and I find are even more crippling today than ever. In session, we will discuss issues surrounding fear and anxiety and build a plan to work toward freedom from this often paralyzing state of being.
Counseling for Children and Teens
I have worked with children and teens more than 20 years. Issues concerning trauma, grief, behavior, family issues, and identity are just some of the areas that I have worked with children and teens. It would be my honor to walk alongside your son or daughter to help them find practical tools to overcome the challenges they face.
Spiritual Development
My own walk and spiritual development has occurred over time and in seasons and is by no means at an end. I do believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and that it is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word teaches us that we are meant to grow in faith (Hebrews 5:12). I am learning the discipline of regular prayer and study of God’s Word and finding in this practice that it is essential to survival and direction in this world. There is no replacement that comes from God’s Word or time spent allowing His word to teach me. It’s how I understand my purposes in this life, I find hope, strength, peace, guidance, and comfort, and where I’m led to repentance. I would be happy to share these practices with you.
Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.
Availability (by office location):
- Oak Harbor – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Online (WA Only) – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.
Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.
Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.