about
why third person?
When I was first starting out and intimidated by all the incredible work my peers were doing, I found rewriting my story in the third person helped me gain some perspective. Then when I went to grad school (largely to help with that imposter syndrome!) I learned how being witnessed can strengthen our sense of self and well-being. Through Third Person Therapy, I offer that same outside perspective to the people I work with: seeing kids for who they are; giving actors a supportive framework for artistic expression; and helping adults get a clearer view of themselves.
about me.
Hi! I'm Susie. I am a registered drama therapist, mental health counselor, theatre educator, intimacy director, theatre director, and artist. In my previous life I was an administrator for a non-profit professional theatre. I created Third Person Therapy as an umbrella for the various independent work I do throughout New England. I teach classes, run workshops, direct plays & intimacy direct. I also see clients at Thrive Behavioral Health in Warwick and run groups at 2nd Act in Providence. I have worked hard to create work/life balance, and am grateful that both these organizations provide that flexibility for me.
select credentials and education
Mental Health Counselor Associate
Rhode Island Department of Health
#MHC00087-A
since 2023
Registered Drama Therapist
North American Drama Therapy Association
#833
since 2022
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Expressive and Drama Therapies
Lesley University
Recipient of the Minerva Drama Therapy Research Award
Research: Embodied Drama Therapy Interventions for Incarcerated Youth
2021
Bachelor of Arts Sociology & Social Inequality | Race, Class & Gender
University of Michigan | Residential College
2004
what is drama therapy?
Drama Therapy is an active, experiential approach to facilitating change. Participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationship, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world. Drama therapy uses play, embodiment, projection, role, story, metaphor, empathy, distancing, witnessing, performance, and improvisation to help people make meaningful change. (Source: North American Drama Therapy Association)