Suzanne E. Mikkelson, Ph.D.

Clinical Specialties: Trauma (EMDR), Spiritual & Ministry Issues, Couples & Families, Parenting, AAMFT Supervision, EMDR Consultation & Training

Dr. Suzanne E. Mikkelson is our Clinical Director. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an AAMFT and VA Board Approved Supervisor as well as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Virtual Basic Trainer. She has over 25 years of counseling, teaching, and supervisory experience. As a retired military spouse, Suzanne has extensive experience helping military service members and their families with issues such as life transitions, parenting challenges, marital stressors including adultery recovery, and trauma connected to military service.

Suzanne has a deep admiration for the perseverance and commitment clients bring to the counseling process. She is highly collaborative in her approach with clients and respects clients’ wisdom in the counseling journey and their right to choose how to move forward in their lives. Suzanne believes a relationship with God is a critical and powerful source for restoration and healing especially for clients who seek to integrate their personal faith into the counseling process through prayer, scripture, and other spiritual disciplines.

Suzanne holds a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University (1984), an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary (1995), and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University (2015). She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Basic Trainer in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy. She provides basic training and certification in EMDR to clinicians locally and around the U.S. who wish to improve their expertise in EMDR. Suzanne speaks nationally and internationally on PTSD, military issues, and ethics, and she has published articles on these topics.

Suzanne has been married to David, a retired U.S. Army chaplain, since 1984 and is a native of North Carolina. They are blessed to have three adult sons who are all married, and four wonderful grandchildren. In addition to spending unhurried time with the Lord, Suzanne enjoys connecting with family and friends, hiking in the mountains, and international travel.