Hello, my name is Suzanne Balderrama and I am a licensed professional counselor with 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. My experience has been primarily in the educational system and a community mental health center where I provided direct mental health services including individual and group counseling, treatment coordination, and case management in the areas of ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and autism. Additionally, I have experience in providing consultive/ collaborative support to teachers, administrators, and parents regarding mental health or behavioral issues. As a volunteer, I have also counseled families living in a homeless shelter.
I sincerely appreciate the privilege of playing a vital role in the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. And I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. I take pride in my education, clinical experience, and life experience in supporting clients as they work through challenges that may inhibit their ability to communicate and interact with others and move forward in life successfully.
How Can I Help
When working with clients, I use evidenced based treatment modalities such as Art and Play Therapies as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I find it essential to focus on the client’s qualities and capabilities to restore intrinsic motivation and strengthen resilience. It is important for a client to discover who they are and to not rely on being defined by their diagnosis or circumstances in determining their future.
More About Me
I recently moved from California to New Braunfels, Texas to be closer to my son and his family. In January 2017, I completed my master’s degree from the University of La Verne in San Luis Obispo, CA in Educational Counseling with an emphasis in School and Family Based Counseling. Since then, I have worked as an Academic Crisis Counselor with the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District as well as providing counseling at the Community Counseling Center in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, California. I love spending time with my granddaughters and being a grandma, crafting, dancing, reading, and binging on crime movies.
