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. As a neurodivergent clinician utilizing a neurodiversity-affirming lens, I collaborate with you to transition from survival mode, process deep-seated wounds, and live authentically on your own terms.
An Integrative, Brain-Body Approach to Healing
My practice is backed by over a decade of experience navigating community mental health and complex trauma care, combined with a lifetime of hyperfocus on how the brain works. This 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'm dedicated to providing neurodivergent-affirming care that honors your unique wiring, allowing you to step out of survival mode and live with greater ease.
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.
Specialized Areas of Practice
Therapy is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every individual brings a unique history, a distinct nervous system, and a personal set of life experiences to the therapeutic space. For many, trying to fit into a world that wasn't built for your way of thinking or feeling can lead to chronic exhaustion, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection.
My practice is dedicated to supporting you as you untangle these complexities and safely unmask your true self. Rather than trying to fit you into a rigid clinical box, we will work collaboratively to explore how your mind and body adapt to stress, protect you from pain, and navigate the world. By honoring your individual pacing and natural wiring, we create a space where you can move away from self-judgment and toward authentic self-compassion.
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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
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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.
My 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:
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.
EMDR Therapy: Processing traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact and build resilience.
Practice Information & Rates
While my practice is private-pay and does not accept health insurance, I strive to make therapy accessible by offering a limited number of sliding-scale slots based on financial need. My standard fees are:
Initial Intake Assessment: $165
Individual Therapy Session: $150
If these standard rates are not feasible for you, please reach out to discuss sliding-scale availability. If you need to utilize health insurance, I recommend searching the Psychology Today directory to find an in-network provider. 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
To ensure we are a strong match for your therapeutic goals, I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. This call is an opportunity to discuss your primary concerns, answer questions about my practice 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:
https://openpathcollective.org/
A nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing affordable, sliding scale outpatient care.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
The official portal to apply for Arizona's Medicaid program, which provides low-cost or free mental health coverage. When applying, neurodivergent adults can request determination for "ALTCS" (Arizona Long Term Care System) for specialized, long-term developmental support.
Health-e-Arizona Plus
https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/
The direct online application portal where Arizona residents can apply for AHCCCS health coverage, nutrition assistance (SNAP), and cash assistance.
Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities
The Arizona state agency that provides specialized services, therapies, and community resources specifically for eligible neurodivergent adults (including autistic individuals and those with developmental differences).
Arizona Autism Coalition
An Arizona-specific organization providing a comprehensive directory and navigation assistance to help neurodivergent adults locate affirming healthcare, community services, and support groups statewide.
The Arc of Arizona
An advocacy and resource organization that helps neurodivergent adults in Arizona navigate state systems, secure community-based healthcare, and access local support networks.