My Story

Susan standing in front of greenery.

Susan stormer, ph.d.

I’m a high achiever and work really hard at what I set my mind to do. I’ve struggled with perfectionism and was an anxious kid, although I didn’t know how to describe my experiences at the time to ask for help.

I learned in my second career as a professional trail builder that focusing primarily on work and taking care of everybody else to the exclusion of my own rest, play, and self-care is a recipe for burnout.

Now that I’m back in the mental healthcare field, I still work hard and love what I do. I’m also grateful to have learned how to create space for myself in addition to connecting with those who matter most to me.

When I am focusing on the personal part of the work-life balance equation, you’re likely to find me enjoying the trails in our beautiful Pacific Northwest by foot, bike, or horse; spending time with friends and enjoying great food and conversations; or reading by the fireplace along with my husband and our retired racing greyhound Vincent.

key values

Authenticity

Behaving in a way that reflects your true nature and beliefs leads to feeling good about yourself and the choices you make. Letting go of the survival mechanisms that got you through hard times can be scary, but you are likely much braver than you know.

validation

You are enough and you have inherent value simply by being present today. Whether you believe this and how you talk to yourself can be a reflection of how others have treated you. Learning how to evaluate and reframe your negative thought patterns can help you treat yourself with the kindness that you deserve.

connection

How you think affects how you feel, and how you feel can change what you do. Finding the patterns and connections between these elements can be a powerful process that can lead to transformative change.

empowerment

Knowing what to do differently doesn’t automatically make it happen, and just because something is simple doesn’t make it easy. Practicing how to ask for what you want and need in an assertive way can teach others how to treat you with care and respect. Power comes from within.

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Education & Training

  • Postdoctoral Training, University of Texas at Austin - 2000

  • Predoctoral Residency, University of MIssissippi Medical Center/VA Hospital - 1998

  • Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of South Florida - 1998

  • M.A. Clinical Psychology, University of South Florida - 1995

  • B.A. Psychology, University of South Florida - 1992

  • OR Licensed Psychologist #2800 - 2016

  • WA Licensed Psychologist PY61341034 - 2022

  • TX Licensed Psychologist (Inactive) - 2000-2016

  • Certified Cognitive Processing Therapy provider - 2020

  • Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Body Image Disturbance, Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Trauma.