CONSIDERING PSYCHOTHERAPY

I have been a psychotherapist to individuals, couples and groups, as well as teaching and supervising other psychotherapists, for over 40 years. I have numerous areas of specialization and provide both short and longer-term psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. My goal is to help clients access and build on their strengths for problem solving and achieving their personal, relational and professional goals. If you think psychotherapy may be helpful, please contact me via phone or email. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your areas of interest and to answer any questions about my work. I do not charge for an initial consultation meeting.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with:

Anxiety • Depression • Substance Abuse & Addiction • Compulsive Behaviors • ADD & ADHD • Insomnia, Life transitions • Career counseling • Sexual orientation and LGBTQ issues • Anger management • Self-esteem • Sexual & emotional abuse.
I also offer supervision and consultation to seasoned psychotherapists and those working toward licensure.

TREATMENT APPROACH

I actively engage in forming collaborative relationships with my clients to understand and untangle patterns that have stood between them and greater satisfaction in work, relationships and life in general. I see the most important parts of my role as listening closely, understanding my clients, supporting their strengths, validating their aspirations and helping them attain their goals.

During my training and professional experience, I have focused on the following areas: Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, EMDR, Body-Oriented Psychotherapy, Existential and Humanistic Psychotherapy, and Social Systems Theory. I also bring to my treatment approach training in mindfulness – the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment and working skillfully with whatever we find. Mindfulness has become a primary skill for working with numerous problems such as anxiety and stress, depression, addiction and insomnia. Mindfulness also helps us “get out of our heads” and free from habitual loops of thought around old problems, thereby enabling greater openness to new insights, inspiration and energy.

Licensure & Affiliations

  • LICENSURE – CERTIFICATION - PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker
    1989 - Present

    Certified Addiction Counselor III
    2005 - 2019

    Colorado Addictions Specialist
    2019 - Present

    EDUCATION

    Ph.D., Psychoanalysis 2006 International University for Graduate Studies

    Psychoanalyst 2002 Colorado Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies

    Master of Social Work 1980 University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work

    Bachelor of Science 1970 Kansas State University

  • Private Practice: Individual, Group and Relational Therapy and Clinical Supervision
    1985 – Present

    Substance Education Group: City of Longmont, Municipal Court; Substance education and counseling for mandated adolescents on probation
    2008 – Present

    Faculty: Naropa University Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology: Faculty
    1995 - 2019

    Affiliate Faculty: Regis University, School for Professional Studies
    1999 – 2003

    Executive Director: Colorado Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies
    2005 – 2009

    Faculty: Colorado Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies
    2003 – 2009

  • Clinical Supervisor: Alternatives to Family Violence
    1998 – 2013

    Individual and Group Psychotherapist: Mental Health Center of Boulder County
    1986 – 1998

    Probation Officer and Substance Education Group Facilitator:
    City of Longmont, Municipal Court
    1984 – 2007
    Individual, Group and Family Psychotherapist: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Synergy Residential Child Care Facility
    1979 – 1983

    Instructor: English as a Second Language: Royal Thai Naval Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
    1972 – 1974
  • PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

    Buddhism and Psychotherapy Celebrating Thirty Year of Contemplative Psychotherapy at Naropa: Featured Speaker and Presenter.
    May, 2006

    Spirituality and Group Dynamics, Contrasting Perspectives: Spirituality and Group Dynamics, Contrasting Perspectives: Panelist. American Group Psychotherapy Association, Annual Meeting.
    February, 2006

    The Place of Touch in Psychotherapy: Presentation. Hakomi International Conference.v August, 2005

    Buddhist Mindfulness Practice in Group Therapy: Presentation. Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society Conference.
    April, 2004

    Framing Dynamic Group Interventions from a Buddhist Perspective: Presentation. American Group Psychotherapy Association, Annual Meeting.
    February, 2004

  • The Talking Cure or What Good is Talking?: Publication. Colorado Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies Newsletter.
    Fall, 2003

    Buddhist Mindfulness Practice in Group Therapy: Publication. Group Circle.
    September, 2003

    Common Ground of Group Dynamics and Leadership: Presentation. Colorado Society for Group Psychotherapy.
    March, 2003

    Framing Dynamic Group Interventions from a Buddhist Perspective: Presentation. American Group Psychotherapy Association, Annual Meeting.
    February, 2003

    Group Analysis of the Buddha: Presentation. American Group Psychotherapy Association, Annual Meeting.
    February, 2001
  • Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Presentation. Colorado Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychology.
    October, 1999

    Group Leadership in Groups for Adolescents: Seminar. Colorado Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.
    September – November, 1999

    Male Survivors of Sexual Assault: Presentation. Mental Health Center of Boulder County.
    September, 1999

    The Use of Self in Group Psychotherapy: Presentation. Colorado Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.
    November, 1997

    Training Groups – Training or Therapy: Presentation. American Group Psychotherapy Association, Annual Meeting.
    February, 1997

    Adolescent Acting Out within Group Psychotherapy: Publication. Journal of Child and Adolescent Group Therapy.
    Winter, 1997

Susan U. Nimmanheminda

Address
2305 Canyon Blvd Suite #205 • Boulder, CO 80302
Phone
720-909-6413
Email
snsusan14@gmail.com