Susan Dow, MS, LCADC, MFT
M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor
AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate
Owner, Red Rock Counseling LLC
MY APPROACH
My approach is emotionally focused therapy with strategic interventions that bring about insight for lasting change. My job is to work myself out of a job because the clients have learned how to anticipate and navigate life’s challenges, and now have the tools to move through tough transitions.
MY SERVICES
As a dually licensed clinician, I’m trained to see individuals, couples, and families that are being impacted by substance use.
MY EDUCATION
Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Bachelors of Science in Human Services
Associates of Applied Science in Addiction Studies
Trained in EMDR
ABOUT ME
Having grown up as a military dependent, I have traveled throughout the country and experienced a variety of cultures and landscapes. After being licensed as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 20 years, I returned to UNLV and earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My years of experience combined with the latest research in evidence based practices give me a unique and helpful perspective on issues that individuals, couples and families are facing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Though every case is unique, we travel down the same road. You’ll book your first consultation session and fill out the on-boarding documents that are sent to you. I’ll review your information and contact you if I need any other information. When you come to my office we will spend the first session ensuring I am a good fit for the goals you have for yourself. From there we will discuss options and how to proceed.
Here’s a video on “What is Counseling?”
WHY A FAMILY BASED APPROACH
The inclusion of families in substance abuse treatment is crucial due to the positive impact on the entire family system. When a client’s system (i.e., his or her family, siblings, spouse/partner, etc.) is treated, that system becomes healthier. Ultimately the client has a stronger support network to help him or her in the recovery process, which decreases the potential for relapse.
Researchers concluded that family‐based treatment was effective for motivating individuals to enter treatment and is more effective than an individual‐based approach. Furthermore, family‐based relapse prevention approaches were more effective than an individual‐based approach.