Welcome to Suzanne Kramer, M.S., M.Ed., LMHC, Coaching, Counseling, Therapy
About Suzanne…
In February 2021, Suzanne started a new position as a Master’s Level Outpatient Therapist with Eliot Community Human Services. She is providing individual therapeutic services to clients with drug addictions and mental illness (co-occurring disorders). Suzanne is also composing daily progress notes and designing quarterly individual treatment plans. Additionally, she is conducting comprehensive biological-psychological-social clinical assessments. Suzanne is very excited about this endeavor!
Suzanne recently culminated a seven month experience working as a Master’s Level Behavioral Health Clinician for Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services. She provided individual and group therapy to approximately 75 clients who had opioid addictions and mental illness (co-occurring disorders). Suzanne worked in the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester in the Opioid Treatment Program. In addition to providing therapy, Suzanne completed daily progress notes, quarterly treatment plans, quarterly psychological assessments, and extensive case management.
Prior to working with Beth Israel Lahey, Suzanne dedicated a two year stint working as a Master’s Level Clinician at a methadone clinic, Habit Opco, an affiliate of Acadia Healthcare, starting in December 2016. She worked with clients who had opioid addictions and mental illness (co-occurring disorders). Suzanne provided both individual and group therapy to approximately 90 clients. In conjunction with this, Suzanne composed daily progress notes, individual treatment plans, annual clinical evaluations, and biological/psychological/social clinical assessments. Additionally, Suzanne provided extensive case management.
Suzanne graduated from Salem State University in May 2016. She obtained the Master of Science Degree in Counseling & Psychological Services. Suzanne took extensive coursework in both Counseling Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology including Counseling Theory & Practice, Developmental Psychopathology, Differential Diagnosis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Multicultural Community Counseling, Legal & Ethical Issues, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Group Counseling, Psychological Testing, Human Development, Personality Theories, Personnel Selection & Placement, Training & Organizational Development, Social Psychology, and Career Education & Development.
While Suzanne was obtaining her Master’s Degree, she worked as a Graduate Assistant for Salem State University in the Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Through this endeavor, Suzanne studied/researched arts outreach and engagement in five arts-related fields: Visual Art & Design, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Creative Writing.
During the Fall semester of 2015, Suzanne did her Clinical Practicum at Lahey Health Behavioral Services. Suzanne worked with adults with psychiatric illness, many of whom were dually diagnosed with substance abuse issues and mental illness. During her Clinical Practicum, Suzanne facilitated therapeutic groups including “Coordination Group”, a Cognitive-Behavioral goals-based group, Dance/Movement, Substance Abuse Education, Social Anxiety, and Women’s Issues.
In 2012, Suzanne culminated a 4+ year stint working as a Music/Expressive Therapist, Master’s Level Clinician, in conjunction with Harbor Counseling. She provided therapeutic services utilizing various art modalities including music, singing, instrument playing, dance/movement, drama, and art. Suzanne also provided Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (verbal “talk” therapy) to higher functioning clients. She composed clinical assessments, weekly/quarterly evaluations, and treatment plans. Suzanne worked with cognitively and developmentally delayed adults and children throughout the North Shore and beyond.
Prior to Harbor Counseling, Suzanne worked as a Rehabilitation Practitioner/Specialist at Bridgewell with dually diagnosed adults. She facilitated arts-based therapeutic groups including music, singing, dance/movement, drama, visual art, storytelling, and creative writing. She also ran therapeutic empowerment groups such as “self-esteem” and “life management.” In addition to facilitating therapeutic groups, Suzanne provided individualized counseling services for numerous clients. She composed weekly/quarterly evaluations and treatment plans. Suzanne also facilitated pet therapy for several clients.
In 1992, Suzanne graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 2008, Suzanne earned her Master’s Degree in Education, Arts & Learning, from Endicott College. Additionally in 2008, Suzanne earned an Advanced Professional Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University. She studied Principles & Practices of Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapies, Music & Voice Therapy, Dance & Movement Therapy, and Psychodrama. In 2010, Suzanne earned an Advanced Professional Graduate Certificate in Counseling Psychology and a Certificate in Dialectical Behavior Therapy from Salem State University.
Suzanne is an experienced and licensed Kindermusik educator. She has had her own Kindermusik business since 2000. Through music, singing, dancing/movement, instrument playing, and dramatic improvisation, Suzanne has fostered the cognitive, social, musical, physical, linguistic, and emotional development of many children throughout the North Shore. She has worked in numerous venues including private studios and schools. Suzanne is Massachusetts CANS certified since 2008. Suzanne loves dancing and exercise and is certified in group exercise, cardio, and step aerobics. Suzanne is a member of Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association.
In the nineties, Suzanne volunteered as the assistant Music Therapist at Perkins School for the Blind. She worked extensively with the blind and multiply impaired children. Suzanne helped to facilitate the music therapy process through singing, dancing, and instrument playing. Suzanne’s primary instrument is her voice. She has been singing all of her life and focuses on a cappella singing.
Suzanne hopes to reach more individuals through the arts. Suzanne is available as a Music/Expressive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist Clinician on the North Shore and beyond.