Dr Susan Raeburn
Psychologist (PhD)
About me
Choosing a therapist involves mind, heart and spirit as well as commitment, time, and money. With over thirty-five years of experience, I know that doing the work of psychotherapy is a unique privilege, so thank you for your interest in my practice.
My approach is “integrative” – focusing on both deep-seated patterns as well as practical issues as needed. Although trained in a variety of techniques, I believe that the quality of our relationship is ultimately more important than any specific technique. While tailored to a client’s specific needs, I incorporate mindfulness, spirituality, heart and humour to emphasise strengths as well as addressing vulnerabilities. I see individuals and couples and am currently available for time-limited consults only.
I was trained at UCLA, The Wright Institute-Berkeley, and at Stanford University Medical Center. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, life transitions and performing arts psychology and research (see academia.edu-susan raeburn for musician mental health and other articles).
My background
In addition to speaking at music industry events and conferences (SXSW, NXNW, MusiCares/NARAS, Future of Music Coalition, San Francisco Symphony and so forth over the last twenty years, I am on the Editorial Board of Medical Problems of Performing Artists, the peer-reviewed journal of the Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA).
With Eric Maisel, I co-authored Creative Recovery: A Complete Addictions Treatment Program That Uses Your Natural Creativity (Shambhala: 2008). I contributed two chapters to Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual (Omnibus, 2023).
While a strictly amateur singer/guitarist and lifelong music fan, perhaps my greatest qualification for working with musicians is having grown up with recording and touring jazz musician parents- Big Band leader, Boyd Raeburn and vocalist, Ginnie Powell.
Working with me
Please see the introduction above for a sense of how I work. I run a standard 50 minute session unless other arrangements have been made. I may suggest homework (self-monitoring, or reading etc.) on an individual basis if I think the client is receptive and interested in that.
I value empathically providing a safe space (“seen/safe/soothed/secure”) accepting the client where s/he is authentically at any given time in the relationship.
I’m currently only doing time-limited Consultations with new clients. If consulted for long-term therapy issues, I can often help with referrals.
Susan’s fees
Initial consultation
I always return calls when a new person calls seeking therapy even though I’m not currently seeking new ongoing clients. I do not charge for brief calls and try to make referral suggestions to help the person. I charge for consultations akin to a scheduled therapy session..
Susan works with clients
on the following issues:
AbuseAddictionAlcoholismAngerAnxietyAttachmentBeing ‘Cancelled’BereavementCareer problems or transitionsClinical DiagnosisCommunicationCreative problemsCultural or racial issuesDrug or substance useEating problemsFame and CelebrityFamily problemsGenderGrief and lossHealth or IllnessIdentity or personaLGBTQIA+Meaning and purposePerformance AnxietyPost-Traumatic StressRelationshipsSeparation and DivorceSexualityStress and BurnoutSudden FameTeamworkTouringTrustWork-related issues
