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Susan Farber
Santa Barbara
Work Preference
Summary
Licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive experience in providing psychotherapy through in-person and telehealth methods. Specializes in treating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, stroke, caregiver stress, and sports psychology. Utilizes diverse therapeutic techniques to enhance emotional well-being and cultivate adaptive skills for clients of all ages. Offices located in Santa Barbara and Solvang, CA.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Private Practice
Santa Barbara
01.2002 - Current
- Provide psychotherapy via in-person and telehealth services to clients across California.
- Specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic illness, chronic pain, traumatic brain Injury, stroke, caregiver stress, sport psychology, and grief management.
- Support college students facing academic stress, burnout, substance misuse, and relationship challenges.
- Deliver performance-focused counseling for high school, collegiate, and adult athletes.
- Conduct EAP counseling and brief solution-focused therapy for workplace issues.
- Integrate CBT, mind-body interventions, and Polyvagal-informed therapy to enhance emotional well-being.
Community Care Manager
Beacon Health Options
Cerritos
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Facilitated treatment planning for individuals with complex medical, psychological, and social needs.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with clients and families.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted care plans accordingly.
- Enabled access to community resources and support services for clients.
Group Facilitator
Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center
Santa Barbara
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Led therapeutic art therapy groups fostering emotional expression, coping strategies, adjustment, and connection for individuals living with brain injury.
Group Facilitator
Ventura Brain Injury Center
Ventura
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Directed support groups aimed at enhancing adjustment, resilience, coping, and providing peer support for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury.
Psychotherapist
Recovery Road Medical Center
Santa Barbara
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Delivered individual and group psychotherapy in an outpatient substance use treatment program addressing co-occurring mental health issues.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to refine patient care strategies.
- Focused on relapse prevention, recovery, and emotional adjustment during therapy sessions.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Coast Caregiver Resource Center
Santa Barbara
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Facilitated individual counseling and support groups for caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions.
- Addressed caregiver burnout, isolation, and stress management through targeted interventions.
- Delivered psychoeducation on neurological conditions and caregiving challenges to enhance family understanding.
- Supported caregivers in managing grief and navigating role reversal during long-term caregiving situations.
Case Manager & MFT Intern
Solutions at Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
01.1997 - 01.2004
- Facilitated counseling and family support for individuals adapting to traumatic brain injury and stroke disability.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams to enhance patient care strategies.
- Acted as liaison between rehabilitation program and insurance providers for continued care authorization.
- Delivered psychoeducation to families navigating cognitive, emotional, and physical changes post-neurological injury.
Case Manager, Residential and Assistant Supervisor
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Santa Barbara
01.1987 - 01.1999
- Oversaw residential staff to enhance program operations and treatment plan development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive treatment strategies.
- Delivered behavioral intervention, case management, and life-skills training for adolescents, improving social functioning.
- Led psychoeducational groups on communication, relationships, and independent living skills, fostering personal growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University
Santa Barbara, CA06-1993
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara06-1989
Coursework in Peak Performance - Sport Psychology
California Southern University
Chandler, AZ01-2010
Coursework in drug and alcohol counseling -
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA01-2004
Skills
- Adjustment counseling
- Case management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Employee assistance program counseling
- Group facilitation
- Marriage and family therapy
- Sport psychology
- Solution-focused techniques
- Polyvagal-informed therapy
- Psychophysiologic interventions
- Trauma-informed care
Group Workshops and Presentations
- Facilitate workshops on stress management, caregiver burnout, emotional wellness, resilience, and peak performance for healthcare personnel and community organizations.
- Creator and facilitator of experiential natural perfume-making and aromatherapy workshops offered publicly and privately for more than eight years.
- Partner with wineries, museums, retreats, private groups, and community organizations to deliver experiential workshops focused on creativity, aromatherapy, stress reduction, and emotional well-being.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Group Facilitator
Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center
01.2014 - 01.2015
Group Facilitator
Ventura Brain Injury Center
01.2012 - 01.2013
Community Care Manager
Beacon Health Options
01.2011 - 01.2016
Psychotherapist
Recovery Road Medical Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
Marriage & Family Therapist
Coast Caregiver Resource Center
01.2003 - 01.2009
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Private Practice
01.2002 - Current
Case Manager & MFT Intern
Solutions at Santa Barbara
01.1997 - 01.2004
Case Manager, Residential and Assistant Supervisor
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
01.1987 - 01.1999
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Coursework in Peak Performance - Sport Psychology
California Southern University
Coursework in drug and alcohol counseling -
Santa Barbara City College