Susanne Loewen

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

When I’m not in therapy-land, you can find me curled up between my two cats, Lilo and Stitch, absorbed in a good book or audiobook, painting, or piecing together puzzles. I love creating playlists that match my mood, taking spontaneous road trips, and paddleboarding on calm waters. I also enjoy gathering around the dinner table with family or a game night with friends, finding joy in connection and shared experiences.

For Self-Care:

For me, self-care is all about slowing down and being present—whether it’s moving through restorative yoga, listening to music that resonates with how I’m feeling, or allowing myself the space to rest and recharge. I also enjoy helping my family with their garden, embracing the grounding and mindful process of tending to something that grows.

For Fun:

I love anything that sparks curiosity and creativity! Whether I’m exploring new places on a road trip, getting lost in a puzzle, or unwinding with a good playlist, I find fun in experiences that bring lightness and enjoyment to life. Time spent with loved ones—laughing through a game night or sharing a meal—is one of my favorite ways to connect.

For Growth:

I believe there’s always something new to learn, whether through books, workshops, or meaningful conversations with different people. My curiosity led me to complete yoga teacher training to deepen my understanding of the mind-body connection. Slow yin and restorative yoga have become a favorite way for me to check in with both my body and mind.

Something unique about me is:

I have vitiligo, lack of skin pigmentation, on one of my legs—something I used to feel self-conscious about but have come to appreciate as a unique and beautiful part of who I am. This journey of self-acceptance has deepened my understanding of how we navigate identity, self-perception, and the emotions tied to embracing ourselves fully. As a therapist, I believe growth often comes from learning to see ourselves with kindness, compassion, and curiosity. It’s something I continue to practice in my own life, and something I love supporting others through in their own journeys.

What are your academic credentials?

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Athabasca University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Forensic Psychology, from Capella University. In addition to my formal education, I’ve pursued specialized training in occupationally competent therapy for first responders, as well as trauma treatment and crisis management. My ongoing commitment to learning ensures that I continue to refine my approach, integrating evidence-based practices to best support those navigating complex challenges.

Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…

I was working in:

Prior to becoming a provisional psychologist, I worked as a community support worker, providing care and assistance to individuals in long-term care, group homes, and adults with disabilities or mental health concerns.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

This role taught me the importance of recognizing each person’s unique perspective and lived experience. I witnessed resilience in many forms and came to appreciate that there is no single “right” way of understanding the world—our perceptions are shaped by individual experiences, emotions, and challenges. Supporting people through both their struggles and successes reinforced my belief in meeting individuals where they are, with empathy, respect, and an openness to their personal journey.

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. The mind-body and stress connection – I’m fascinated by how our physical and emotional health intertwine, and how stress manifests in the body. Understanding this connection has deepened my therapeutic approach and personal practices, helping me explore ways to promote balance and well-being.
2. Paint by numbers – There's something so calming about focusing on one tiny square at a time, letting everything else fade into the background. It’s also helped me unwind—giving my mind permission to slow down and immerse in something creative without pressure or expectation.
3. My cats Lilo and Stitch – Watching their personalities unfold and seeing how eerily similar they are to their namesakes brings me endless joy. Their quirks, cuddles, and playful antics remind me to embrace the small, lighthearted moments in life.

Books & Podcasts

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

One book that has deeply resonated with me is Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo
Biggest Takeaway: The biggest lesson I’ve taken from this book is that growth isn’t about rushing to find answers—it’s about allowing understanding to emerge in its own time. One quote that resonates deeply with me is:
"When you take your growth seriously, you will often find yourself in this in-between state; it is okay to live without clear answers. Growth is not about forcing understanding; it is about allowing it."

This speaks to the natural rhythm of healing—how personal insight unfolds gradually and how patience plays a crucial role in transformation. It’s a mindset I embrace in my own life and in my work as a therapist, helping others navigate uncertainty with self-compassion and trust in their journey.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky
Why: It dives deep into how chronic stress impacts the body and contributes to both physical and mental health concerns. What I love about this book is how it makes complex science accessible, showing how our stress responses—once useful for survival—can become harmful when prolonged in modern life.

It reinforced my belief in the deep connection between the mind and body, and how stress isn’t just an emotional experience—it has real physiological effects.

Favorite Podcast:

FBI Profilers: Criminal Archives
Why: Having grown up watching Criminal Minds, this podcast was fascinating as it’s hosted by real former FBI profilers who break down actual cases. Their expert storytelling and insights into behavioral profiling make it one of my favorite true crime podcasts.

Specialty & Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:

I work with children (7+), youth, and adults. While demographics influence therapy, I believe the strength of the therapeutic relationship is just as important in creating meaningful change. I also recognize that we are shaped by the people around us, and by working on ourselves, we improve both our own lives and those of others. My approach is grounded in creating a supportive space for healing, resilience, and self-awareness.

Clinical Concerns:

I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and life transitions. Whether clients are processing significant life events (Capital T trauma) or navigating more subtle emotional challenges (lowercase t trauma), I focus on helping them develop coping strategies, regulate emotions, and adapt to change with confidence.

Non-Clinical Concerns:

Beyond clinical concerns, I support individuals in personal growth, relationship dynamics, and communication skills. Whether they are building self-awareness, strengthening connections, or working toward personal goals, I provide practical strategies to help them create meaningful change.

Expertise & Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• Trauma & PTSD: Training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), supporting clients in processing distressing memories safely.
• Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention: Specialized expertise in ASIST, Crisis Prevention (CPI), and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), focusing on risk assessment and safety planning.
• Violence & Risk Assessment: Training in Violence and Domestic Violence Risk Assessment, providing strategies for managing high-risk situations and ensuring emotional and physical safety.

Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Core Method:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, ultimately empowering them to shift their mindset and improve their emotional responses and behaviours.
2. Narrative Therapy - Incorporating Narrative Therapy, I help clients reframe and rewrite the stories they tell themselves, encouraging them to view their experiences through a lens of empowerment and agency, rather than being defined by past struggles.
3. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - Using Solution-Focused Therapy, I focus on clients’ strengths and resources, guiding them to set practical, achievable goals that move them toward the future they want to create.
4. Attachment Theory - Drawing on attachment theory, I explore how early relationships shape emotional bonds, helping clients understand their attachment style and create healthier, more secure connections in their current relationships.

I have completed further specialized courses in Motivational Interviewing, Occupational Awareness for Therapists, Mandt Crisis Prevention, and Understanding Trauma in Emergency & First Responder Professions. These enhance my ability to support individuals in demanding environments and complex emotional situations.

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Trauma & PTSD: Supporting individuals in processing distressing experiences, building resilience, and developing emotional regulation strategies for healing.
2. Anxiety & Stress Management: Helping clients navigate worry, avoidance, and overwhelming emotions by building confidence and practical coping skills.
3. Life Transitions & Adjustment Challenges: Assisting individuals in managing change, uncertainty, and personal growth with strategies for stability and self-awareness.

I also have specialized training in risk assessment, suicide prevention, and working with high-stress professions. While I do not have direct experience working with first responders or emergency workers, my training equips me to support individuals in demanding environments with trauma-informed approaches and crisis intervention techniques.

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol

1. Trauma-Informed Approach: I use evidence-based trauma treatment strategies to support emotional processing and resilience.
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping skills, and create lasting change.
3. Motivational Interviewing: Supporting individuals in overcoming barriers, enhancing self-awareness, and making meaningful life changes.

People Like Working with Me Because…

Clients appreciate that I am reliable, hardworking, and committed to showing up fully in every session. I bring a balance of professionalism and humor, making therapy both effective and approachable. I provide thoughtful insights and practical strategies, ensuring clients feel supported while gaining knowledge that empowers them to navigate life’s challenges.

Free form

The emotions we carry don’t exist in isolation—they influence the way we interact with others, shaping relationships, communities, and even future generations. Many struggles are passed from one person to the next, often without us realizing it. By working on ourselves, we stop that cycle. Therapy creates the opportunity to process, understand, and heal, ensuring that what we carry forward is rooted in strength, awareness, and kindness.