Today we’d like to introduce you to Susy Laursen
Hi Susy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve spent over 14 years working with disenfranchised individuals, including teens and adults, as well as those living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and individuals struggling to manage the ups and downs of everyday life. My journey began working with at-risk teens, which eventually led me to supporting adults with mental illness in supportive apartments and group homes. Along the way, I also worked with survivors of domestic violence and served in roles with Child Protective Services as a guardian ad litem. Later, I transitioned into in-home mental health services as well as a TCU social worker before stepping into my current role as a therapist. Today, I focus on providing individual and couples therapy to adults.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it’s been a bumpy yet unexpected and fulfilling journey. I’ve genuinely loved each role I’ve held, which makes sense since they all align with the social work perspective rooted in the bio-psychosocial model. At the core of it all, I value building relationships and helping people recognize their worth—something that’s central to being a therapist. I especially appreciate the face-to-face time with clients. Becoming a therapist and stepping away from the mobility of community mental health work wasn’t something I ever envisioned, but I’ve grown to love the grounded nature of this role.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a licensed social worker and psychotherapist with a broad range of experience spanning various client specialties. My journey began with at-risk children, abuse survivors, and individuals with schizophrenia. Over time, I’ve worked with clients navigating complex trauma, personality disorders, and most recently, those living with Autism, TBI, ADHD, and family estrangement as well as continuing to work with individuals dealing with abuse, and mood disorders.
I’m known for my deep understanding of community resources, laws, and regulations, as well as my expertise in executive dysfunction—a common thread in Autism, TBI, and ADHD. I also have a passion for psychoeducation and neuroscience, which I integrate into my work. Additionally, I specialize in working with couples, which I’ve found many therapists tend to avoid.
What sets me apart is my commitment to staying current with evidence-based practices and my focus on equity versus equality. I also enjoy incorporating relatable, everyday elements, like reality TV, into sessions. Everyday things can hold therapeutic value! I’m most proud of the feedback I receive from clients, many of whom tell me they never thought they could open up to someone the way they do with me. It’s a testament to my informal and approachable style and my belief in each person’s unique value.
I work with adults, both individually and as couples. While I run my own business, I also contract with Integrative Health and see clients at their office once a week, in addition to another location in Edina.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as achieving a high quality of life, which looks different for everyone. My goal is to help people reach their unique version of this. It begins with ensuring access to basic needs—like food, clothing, shelter, education, and essential resources—and addressing systemic barriers such as racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, heterosexism, classism, sizeism, capitalism, and antisemitism. This work needs to happen on both macro and micro levels. Beyond that foundation, success is deeply personal and shaped by each individual’s personality, goals, and interests.
I personally define success as finding ‘ease’ in life—the ability to slow down, focus less on tasks, and create more time for the people I love, hobbies that bring me joy, and, of course, my four beloved cat children.
Pricing:
- I accept all major insurance plans, private pay, and offer sliding scale fees.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://susylmentalhealth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susylmentalhealth?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Other: https://integrativehealthmn.com/staff/susy-laursen/
