ABOUT SUE DENNISON, MA, LMHC
Sue’s passion is in witnessing transformation in the many people she has helped during the past 14 years. She has guided individuals, couples, and families to overcome obstacles that appeared insurmountable. She has expertise in helping individuals heal trauma including intergenerational trauma – that which we inherit from our ancestors. Sue’s expertise grew from extensive work with highly-traumatized individuals including Native Americans. She discovered and learned the most effective, culturally appropriate, and proven methods for treating trauma and is certified in both Internal Family Systems and Havening Techniques®, the two approaches she uses most frequently (described below). She is also an IFS-I Approved Clinical Consultant.
About the Therapies
- Internal Family Systems (IFS).
This model of therapy identifies and works with parts of ourselves that carry difficult thoughts and emotions that we usually do not like or appreciate. Our tendency is to try to “get rid of” parts such as resentment, anxiety, or depression. A core tenet in IFS is that no matter how problematic a part may be, it is there for a reason and is trying to help in some way. IFS guides individuals through the process of: safely looking inward without feeling overwhelmed; understanding deeply why parts are there and how they’re trying to help; increasing parts that embody calm, compassion, clearness, and competency; and transforming and balancing parts. This creates space for increased creativity, playfulness, and happiness. - Havening Techniques®.
Havening is a relatively new technique for healing trauma and is demonstrating remarkable results compared to other techniques. It employs safe touch as a catalyst for change. Havening touch, when used to target trauma, permanently changes how distressing memories are stored in the brain. In the process, the traumatic memory loses its emotional charge and becomes just a memory with no ability to “hijack” us. Most people find the process relaxing.