Susan Locke, MEd, LAC
Somatic Trauma Recovery &
Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy in Arizona
I'm an Associate Counselor in Arizona specializing in late-identified neurodivergence, complex trauma, and nervous system regulation. I partner with clients to help them understand their unique nervous systems, process past wounds, and live authentically. My clinical services are contracted through Expanding Horizons Counseling.
Professional Background
With over a decade of experience across behavioral health, community mental health, and substance use recovery, I partner with adults navigating late-identified ADHD and Autism, high-functioning burnout, and complex trauma.
My clinical work is deeply somatic and brain-body focused, blending EMDR, parts work, and nervous system regulation to help you reconnect with your authentic self. I am dedicated to providing collaborative, neurodivergent-affirming care that honors your unique wiring, allowing you to step out of survival mode and live with greater ease. Clinical services are contracted through Expanding Horizons Counseling.
Credentials and Licensing
Susan is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the state of Arizona. She provides clinical services under the direct supervision of Pallavi Lal, MS, LPC at Expanding Horizons Counseling in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Clinical Focus and Specialties
A collaborative, brain-body approach to healing and self discovery
.jpeg)
Therapy is not one size fits all.
My practice is dedicated to helping adults understand their unique nervous systems, process deep-seated trauma, and unmask their true selves. Below are the primary areas where I offer specialized, compassionate support.
Late-Identified ADHD
& Autism
Discovering you are neurodivergent later in life often brings a mix of relief, grief, and a need to reconstruct your identity. I specialize in helping late-identified ADHDers and Autistic adults make sense of their history, navigate executive dysfunction, and heal from chronic masking. Together, we work to build a life that accommodates your unique brain wiring, rather than forcing you to fit into a neurotypical mold.
Complex Trauma &
Nervous System Regulation
.jpeg)
Complex trauma and family of origin challenges often leave the nervous system stuck in chronic survival states such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Using a blend of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, somatic practices, and Internal Family Systems informed parts work, we gently process past wounds and help your nervous system return to a state of safety, choice, and ease.
High Functioning Burnout
& Anxiety
Many of my clients are high achievers, perfectionists, or parents of neurodivergent children who appear to have it all together on the outside, while experiencing deep exhaustion and anxiety on the inside. We will work to identify the root causes of your burnout, establish sustainable boundaries, and transition from a state of constant over functioning into a life of authentic alignment and rest.
Our Therapeutic Approach: A Journey to Wholeness
While understanding our thoughts is vital, lasting transformation happens when we bridge the connection between the mind and the physical experience.
My clinical approach integrates evidence-based modalities to support your healing journey:
-
EMDR Therapy: Processing traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact and build resilience.
-
Somatic Regulation: Helping you reconnect with your body's signals and restore a sense of internal peace.
-
Internal Family Systems: Exploring the various parts of yourself to foster self-compassion and inner harmony.
Practice Information & Rates
I operate on a private-pay basis and do not accept insurance. This ensures your complete privacy and allows us to tailor your therapy entirely to your needs, free from the restrictions or diagnostic requirements often imposed by insurance providers.
Clinical services are contracted through Expanding Horizons Counseling. The standard rates for my therapeutic services are:
-
Initial Intake Assessment: $165 (50 minutes)
-
Individual Therapy Session: $150 (50 minutes)
Sliding Scale and Financial Resources
I believe therapy should be accessible. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale slots based on financial need. If my standard rates are not feasible for you, please reach out to discuss availability. If my sliding-scale slots are full, or if you require further financial accommodation, please visit my Resources Page for general directories and search tools designed to help you locate affordable, low-cost, or sliding-scale mental health services in the community. For more details on general billing policies, please visit the Expanding Horizons Counseling FAQ Page, or feel free to contact me directly with any questions at susanl@expandinghorizonscounseling.com.
Ready to Begin?
Let's connect for a brief consultation!
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel significant. To ensure we are a good fit for your goals, I offer a complimentary twenty-minute phone consultation. During this call, we can discuss what you're hoping to address in therapy, answer any questions you have about my approach, and coordinate scheduling.
All clinical services are contracted through Expanding Horizons Counseling. I typically respond to all inquiries within twenty-four business hours.
Resources & Support
Hand-selected tools, psychoeducation, and community support options
Read my latest clinical insights, coping tools, and psychoeducational articles hosted on the Expanding Horizons blog.
Alternative Care Options
If private pay or my sliding scale options are not feasible for you at this time, I highly encourage exploring community resources. You can find sliding scale therapeutic options, low-cost counseling, and affordable care directories through the following organizations:
-
Open Path Collective: A nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing affordable, sliding scale outpatient care.
-
Local Arizona Community Clinics: Community-based health centers offering accessible mental health services based on income.
-
National Directories: Search portals designed to help you locate low-fee clinicians who specialize in neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-informed care.