Susan Zuidema
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MDiv, BEd, BAI’m passionate about helping people work through the barriers that stand in the way of a full and meaningful life.
My path has been shaped by decades of life experience – parenting, divorce, remarriage, years of teaching, and advocacy for those facing homelessness, addiction, trauma, and mental illness. I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how resilience grows in the face of challenges.
I believe that therapy is most effective when you feel safe, heard, and truly understood. I aim to create that kind of space – one where you feel supported as we explore your challenges, strengths, and the resources around you. We’ll build on this to create a plan that fits your needs and helps you move forward.
As a Christian, I believe that healing is meant for the entire person: mind, body, and soul. For those who request it, I am prepared to respectfully integrate prayer and Scripture with other elements of your therapy. Read more about faith integration here.
Education
During my Master’s Degree (M. Div.) studies in Clinical Counselling at Tyndale University, I focused on going deep into trauma, studying the Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives in Trauma and Therapy Interventions for Trauma, Abuse, and Violence. I also took courses in Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Spiritual Care of the Dying and Grieving. Tyndale’s Clinical Counselling program provides a foundation in Family Systems and training in core modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Working with a therapist who has training at the master’s level ensures you are seeing someone with adequate preparation to care for your clinical needs.
I also hold my Bachelor’s in Education from Wilfrid Laurier and spent ten years teaching elementary grades. My undergrad is from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
Training & Modalities
I’m actively working toward certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals and couples. I’m always seeking to deepen my understanding of my client’s experiences and enhance my practice to better support those I work with.
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Training (EFIT)
- EFIT levels 1 & 2
- EFIT Consultation
- EFIT & Grief
- Transforming Trauma with EFIT
- EFIT: Attachment-based Interventions to Treat Trauma, Anxiety and Depression
- EFIT supervision in progress (supervised by Herman Chow)
- Read more about EFIT
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
- EFCT 5-day intensive through Tyndale University
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Certificate: Start-to-Finish Training and Live Consultation – in progress
- Read more about EFCT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Certification Training
- Advanced DBT
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Intensive, CPT – An Evidence-Based Approach to Treat PTSD and Related Conditions
Internal Family Systems
- Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors
Other trainings
- Genesis Process Relapse Prevention (Addictions)
- ASIST suicide prevention
- Mental Health First Aid
EFT (EFIT/EFCT and the family model, EFFT) conforms to the very highest level – the gold standard – for its thorough research and effectiveness. It began as a therapy geared to couples work but its value and validity with individuals and families became clear over time. Read more about the research, which spans more than 30 years.