Dr. Suzan Thompson

Dr. Suzan K. Thompson, Ph.D., LPC, joined Awakenings Counseling Center in 2019. She has been in private practice since 2001, holding a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. Since completing her master’s degree in counseling, she has worked as a counselor, counselor educator, consultant and therapist. Dr. Thompson has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 1996 and an LPC supervisor since 1999. Additionally, she holds a Level 1 Certificate in Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques and is a SoulCollage® Trained Facilitator. She has also trained in a variety of energy therapy modalities, including Reiki and The Reconnection.

Dr. Thompson is a former full-time faculty member at Old Dominion University for 9 years, where she taught both master’s and doctoral-level students. In addition to facilitating corporate consulting programs, focusing on teambuilding, mindfulness, and other themes, Dr. Thompson has also presented locally, nationally and internationally. Presentation topics have ranged from creativity in counseling, dreamwork, complementary and alternative therapies, to career development, healing trauma, Emotional Freedom Techniques, clinical supervision, and clinical intuition. Dr. Thompson has also published peer-reviewed and informal articles in journals and newsletters. She currently speaks and blogs about integrating complementary and alternative modalities in therapy.

Known for her warmth, compassion and positive attitude, Dr. Thompson takes an educational approach to therapy, encouraging individuals to learn and practice new skills and strategies that lead toward growth and development. Her primary approach is a blend of the more traditional Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy as well as integrative modalities like Emotional Freedom Techniques that emphasize focusing on strengths. She also uses a blend of creativity, mindfulness- and body-based practices as well as guided imagery.

Dr. Thompson seeks to collaborate with each person she works with, creating a safe place to explore thoughts and feelings so individuals can access their own courage to heal. She believes in treating the whole person — mind, body and spirit — toward healing, transformation and growth.
Clients have said they appreciate the safe and comfortable space, that is created so they can really be themselves, learn new tools and strategies, then figure out next steps to take. Dr. Thompson works with individuals and her areas of interest and specialty include: depression, anxiety and trauma, relationships, women’s issues and military transitions.

“Most of us want to be heard, accepted and understood,” Dr. Thompson said. “I would be honored to be included in your life’s journey, offering a safe, non-judgmental place for you to explore what is happening, learn new tools and strategies and grow from the challenges you’ve faced. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.”