“Stress is caused by being “here” but wanting to be “there,” or being in the present but wanting to be in the future.” – Eckhart Tolle

You finish one thing, and you’re already worried about the next. A good grade, a great work presentation, or someone telling you that you’re doing a good job feels good for only about five minutes. Then it’s back to wondering whether you’re doing enough, disappointing someone, or falling behind.

It’s exhausting to feel like you always have something to prove.

Let’s be honest, asking for help isn’t always easy, and it’s something many of us struggle with. Why do we so often feel like we have to handle everything on our own while putting everyone else’s needs first? 

Here’s something nobody tells you: asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s a skill. And, it’s one that a lot of us (teens, parents, adults who “have it all together”) never got to practice. Your needs matter, too. You deserve support that feels genuine, relatable, and meets you where you are at. That’s where I come in. 

If any of this sounds like you, chances are we should talk:

• You’re a teen who feels pressure to get the grades, perform well in and out of school, make everyone proud—and somehow figure out your entire future.

• You’re a parent who wants to connect with your teen, but even “How was your day?” seems to start a fight.

• You spend a lot of time worrying about disappointing people, making mistakes, or whether you’re doing enough.

• You wish your parents understood you, but trying to explain yourself keeps turning into an argument, or you’ve just given up trying to explain yourself

• You’re a high achiever whose mind never turns off, even when everything looks fine from the outside

• You’re a first responder who spends your days helping others and could use somewhere to talk about what you carry home.

• Past trauma and grief still shows up in your thoughts, your relationships, and you’re not sure why.

I’m Suzana (Susie to most) Cafi, a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Being a therapist is a second career for me. I’m also a retired Air Force veteran, but I promise I’m not what you might be picturing!  I bring a down-to-earth approach grounded in compassion, honesty, and a healthy sense of humor.

Let’s face it, life is messy and I believe there’s room for both meaningful conversations and moments of laughter along the way. You don’t have to put on a brave face or have the right words here, you can simply show up as you are. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and supported as we work together.

I spent years working in high-pressure situations where the stakes were real, and the biggest lesson wasn’t toughness. It was humility. I learned that no one performs well alone, that I don’t need to have all the answers, and that asking for help is part of doing the job well…not a sign you’re failing at it. I also learned what pressure does to our thinking, and how to slow down, get clear, and take the next right step even when everything feels urgent.

Working with teens and their parents is one of my favorite parts of this job. As the oldest of six kids, I’ve been connecting with younger people (and mediating them) my whole life. With teens, I focus on being real, not lecturing, and helping them feel heard. With parents, I help them understand what’s going on under the surface and find ways to talk so your kid actually hears you. Most of the time, everyone wants the same thing. They just don’t know how to say it.

This perspective shapes how I work as a therapist. I come into our conversations curious about you, knowing that my experience doesn’t make me the expert on your life. I want to understand what matters to you, what you’re up against, and what other people might be missing. You’ll get warmth, honesty, practical support, and a sense of humor.

I aim to challenge the stigma around mental health by meeting you exactly where you are, not where the world thinks you “should” be. I’m here to understand who you are beyond the diagnosis, labels, or circumstances. Together, we’ll build trust and uncover strengths and inherent skillsets you may not even know you have.

My past experiences taught me the value of leadership, teamwork, and working together to solve problems; skills that continue to shape my approach to care. This foundation helps me bring both compassion and practical support to our work together. My experience includes supporting individuals and families through trauma, grief, and life transitions and helping them navigate depression, anxiety, substance use concerns, and ADHD. 

As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), I bring a practical, nonjudgmental approach to concerns about alcohol and substance use. My work is grounded in harm reduction, which means we’ll start with your circumstances and focus on meaningful, realistic changes. Whether you’re questioning your own use or navigating the effects of a loved one’s addiction, we’ll work together to understand patterns, strengthen coping skills, and identify next steps that reflect what matters to you.

My approach is collaborative and relational while integrating components from some of the following treatment modalities in addition to others:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 

Outside of my professional life, family is at the heart of who I am. As the oldest of six children, I’ve spent plenty of time caring for younger siblings and connecting with kids. My nephews tell me I’m their favorite aunt, which is a title I’m happy to embrace. Since retiring from the military, I’ve enjoyed staying close to friends and family and helping fellow veterans navigate the transition to civilian life. One thing you’ll often hear me say is, “Slow and steady wins the race.” To me, that means giving yourself permission to move at your own pace and remembering that small steps count, too. So, if you’re ready for support that’s compassionate, authentic, and filled with a bit of adventure, I’m your girl!