life changes/transitions

Susanne Kositzin LCSW

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” -Jaws, 1975

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurance Accepted:

  • Aetna

  • EOCCO OHP

  • HealthShare OHP

  • InterCommunity Health Network OHP

  • Jackson Care Connect OHP

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Moda

  • Oregon Health Plan Open Card

  • Pacific Source OHP

  • Pacific Source Private Insurance

  • Providence

  • Regence BCBS

  • Private Pay

When life feels overwhelming, when sharks are circling your vessel with teeth bigger than your engine, you’ll need to upgrade to a bigger boat – that is, a bigger toolbox. You need more resources, more support, more skills. We’ve all been there. The cool thing is, once we build this bigger boat – toolbox – it will serve us the rest of our days. Once you have those skills, nothing can take them away.

In my work, I draw from a number of modalities and practices, but my primary approach is called ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). To me, ACT is about freedom. Freedom from the destructive thoughts that hold you back. Freedom from enslavement to painful emotions and the frantic efforts to make them stop. It’s about not feeling like a prisoner in your own head. Since receiving my Master of Social Work degree in 2007, I’ve spent much of my career working with people living with acute and chronic illness, particularly cancer. My life’s work is helping people adjust to difficult life changes, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and other challenges. I have a special place in my heart for women transitioning to motherhood and the post-partum issues that so often arise, and individuals facing the ongoing challenges of parenting. I love the expressive arts and using poetry therapy (which sounds stuffy and boring but isn’t) to help clients find their own voice. I am open to working with adults of all ages, teens, and families. LGBTQ+ clients welcomed and valued.

My approach is grounded in compassion. It is about finding your own strengths and bolstering them with new skills to spark real and lasting change. I believe in kindness, humor, and connection, and I believe there is hidden treasure in everyone. Struggle is part of life, but struggle shouldn’t drive the bus, leaving us flailing around with no lap belt and gum stuck to our seats. You deserve to be the driver of your life, and you can build a boat stronger than the sharks. If you’re here, you’ve already started!

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.

Jacob Mains, LCSW

Effective therapy starts with an environment of respect, warmth, empathy, and trust. Together we can work through the darkness and help you build a life of love, meaning, and purpose that is better than you can imagine.

Before Booking

Please be Sure One Option From Each Section is True

Insurance Accepted:

  • Aetna

  • Cigna

  • EOCCO OHP

  • HealthShare OHP

  • Jackson Care Connect OHP

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • Moda

  • Oregon Health Plan Open Card

  • Pacific Source OHP

  • Pacific Source Private Insurance

  • Providence

  • Regence BCBS

  • United Health Care

  • Private Pay

Age of Clients:

  • Ages 14 to 16

  • Ages 17 to 19

  • Adults

  • Adults ages 55 plus

Location of Services (If Available)

  • Telehealth

I take an approach to therapy that integrates several effective treatments, because I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all model. You are a unique person with unique needs, and you need a therapy tailored to you. Some of the approaches I might use are elements of dynamic therapy to help you explore your past and its impact on your present. This can also help you to develop a new narrative of your life. Cognitive therapy will help you look at yourself, your relationships, and the world in more productive ways. I use behavioral therapy to encourage actions that will promote health and wellness. Existential therapy will help us explore life's big questions together. I also enjoy discussing spiritual issues if those are an important part of your journey. 

I am a licensed clinical social worker that has been working in the mental health field for 15 years. I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree from Baylor University in 2005. I have worked in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and outpatient clinics. I have also had the great honor of working with our nation’s Veterans at the VA for 9 years. I am a Veteran myself too. I have extensive training and experience working with depression, anxiety, addictions, life changes, relationship issues, and more.

All that to say, I have a lot of experience I will bring to our work together. But more importantly, I genuinely care about my clients and want them to live the best lives they possibly can. Usually that life is much better than they thought possible.

Stronger Oregon Admin Message:

Availability is updated once a day, or less, leading to your chosen provider possibly not being available. Please call for the most accurate information and fastest assignment.