Live Better Through Psychology

horse sense 2

2nd Edition Now Available on Amazon

Horse Sense for Couples

The use of horses in this book is for the sole purpose of analogy for human relationships.  Horses are also my exercise, my fun, and my passion.  The stories of the horses and humans are metaphorical to help teach couples better communication toward improved relationships.

Psychologist Dr Susan Holley's Headshot

WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE

Hello, I'm Doctor Susan Holley

Susan Holley, PhD is a California Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of therapy experience, treating a wide variety of issues and populations. Dr. Holley worked in alcohol and drug rehabilitation for many years (post-master’s degree) conducting individual, GROUP and FAMILY THERAPY. She was in the ADDICTION treatment field during the years when the stigma of alcohol treatment was so negative patients hesitated to inform their own family where they were. She enjoyed the incredible changes people made as they became clean and sober (from feeling hopeless, to becoming whole again).

Who I Work With

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ADULTS

I use step by step, short term goals to improve coping skills and stress management on a goal oriented basis.

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FAMILIES

I use play therapy with families to help members feel comfortable talking about difficult subjects. 

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EQUINE ASSISTED GROUPS

I periodically hold equine assisted therapy groups.

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WOMANS GROUPS

I periodically hold women's groups or equine assisted women's groups. 

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COUPLES THERAPY

I periodically hold equine assisted couples therapy.

Theraputic Techniques

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Uses techniques for changing our thinking and behavior to change aspects of our life that we have control over.

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Trauma Informed Therapy

Uses awareness of multiple therapeutic options for those who have been traumatized in childhood, adulthood or both.

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Family Systems

Family Systems techniques proceeds with the understanding that we are impacted by our childhood and current family supports or lack thereof.

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Psycho-educational techniques

I frequently use workbooks to help clients understand their symptoms and recovery process.

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Goal Oriented Brief Therapeutic Techniques

We make progress by small steps rather than leaps. I help my clients identify short term and long term goals with a focus towards small short term changes first.

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Problem Solving Solutions & Stress Management

When we have somebody to help us step out and take a different look, often we see better choices. Stress management prioritizes what’s important today and what must wait for tomorrow.

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Hypnotherapy

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Assessment Evaluation

Conditions Treated

ADULT

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Anxiety Disorders

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Mood Disorders (Depression, or Bipolar Disorders)

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Chemical Dependency Interventions

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Employee Assistance Program experience

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Dual Diagnosis

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Disability and Fitness for Duty Evaluations

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Post Trauma-(Veterans Administration Internship)

FAMILY

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Family (UCLA Family Project experience)

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Couples Therapy

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

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Attention Deficit Disorder

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Learning Disabilities

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Behavioral Disabilities

GROUPS

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Equine Assisted Corporate Team Building Programs

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Equine Assisted Women’s Psychotherapy Groups

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Adolescent Groups (periodically available)

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Women’s Groups (periodically available)

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Chemical Dependency Treatment Experience

Professional Memberships