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

Session fees:
$275 per session (unless other arrangements have been made based on financial need not just preference).
Susan offers:
Intro call
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..

Contact Susan:
You can email Susan on sdraeburn84@gmail.com.
Tel: (510) 658-1820

Location: Oakland, Alameda County, California

Sees clients: In-person (California) and online (California)

Client groups: Individuals, relationships and couples

Duration: Long-term, short-term and time-limited, one-off check-ins

Types of therapy: Humanistic, integrative, existential, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, clinical psychology

Insurance: Out of network

Languages: English

Susan’s professional registrations: PAMA, APA, CPA, ACPA