Susan Choi, M.A.

How I decided to be a therapist

I held onto the belief that misfortune only happens to others, thinking that my hard work and planning would protect me from any potential mishaps. It's remarkable how firmly I clung to this belief during major life decisions. However, all strategies seem foolproof until life throws a curveball that causes them to crumble, leaving us feeling lost and despondent. The reality of my circumstances led me to a place I was so certain I would not find myself in, considering the endless effort I had put into fortifying it. This led me to confront the chaos that arose from experiencing utter helplessness. Becoming a therapist was initially a way for me to seek solace from my feelings of helplessness. Over the years, I have come to recognize the depth of my own trauma and learned to appreciate the process. I have developed a deep respect for working with individuals who courageously seek support in my office and share the pain of failed strategies and unexpected chaos. I am continually grateful to all those who have sat with me as we explore our humanity together.

How I would like to help clients as a therapist

I am committed to assisting individuals from all backgrounds by understanding and addressing the intricate complexities of our internal experiences. Helping clients understand the context of their life experiences that have impacted them and the skilled attunement to those experiences is pivotal to building trust and continuity of effective treatment. Maintaining transparency at all stages of therapy is crucial for fostering trust. I am committed to steering my clients through a journey of profound change, equipping them with practical tools and deep insights to embrace their inner qualities wholeheartedly.

What my theoretical orientation is as a therapist

I have been profoundly influenced by evidence-based psychotherapy models such as Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Restoration Therapy, and Polyvagal Therapy. Each of us has the expertise to shape our life stories and possesses valuable qualities that can drive us toward achieving lasting healing. My mission is to help clients access these qualities, which naturally surface once their disconnected internal world harmonizes.