Susan Kokke: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Petaluma
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with over twenty years of experience working in mental health. I have a successful and fulfilling marriage relationship that has spanned over 40 years. My husband and I have two children and three grandchildren and have healthy, joyful relationships with them.
I am committed to helping people heal and become their best versions; to living a life that brings them joy. I have spent over forty years volunteering and working with youth and over thirty years volunteering and working with couples preparing for marriage. I continue to incorporate volunteering into my life and my practice as I believe in giving back to the community in which I live and work.
I am a Catholic Christian and my faith has been and is an essential part of who I am and how I became and maintain my best version; I don’t always succeed, yet I am drawn back to my best version more easily through my relationship with God and through the practices of my faith. I assist people in exploring their faith, utilizing its practices and enhancing their relationship with God and with their spiritual center when requested.
My Background
I have worked in the field of Domestic Violence for 5 years as a certified Domestic Violence clinician and instructor. I effectively taught clients—men and women, who were mandated to a 52-week program, to communicate non-violently with their partners, children, and coworkers. I watched them transform their lives and their relationships as they implemented the tools and techniques they were taught and as they understood and healed from the experiences and trauma experienced in their own childhoods.
Advanced Training
I have attended trainings in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with Marcia Linahan and incorporate DBT and emotional regulation techniques into my work with clients.
I have also attended many trainings on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma in general. I utilize this information when working with clients by educating on and sharing information to normalize the process and the symptoms and experiences they may be encountering.
I have attended numerous trainings in BRAINSPOTTING (BSP) with David Grand the originator of Brainspotting and with other Masters in the technique. I utilize it within my practice to assist clients in processing and integration of their experiences. It assists clients to “update the files” of information they have stored within their brains.
I have attended trainings with Dr. John Gottman regarding his work and research with couples and I have incorporated the information and research into the work that I do with couples.
Education
B.S., Psychology, Sonoma State University
M.A., Counseling, Sonoma State University
Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist # MFC40557)
Affiliations: CAMFT
Susan’s photo by Sophia Williams, Sophia’s Special Deliveries