Every child, teen, and young adult deserves to feel like they can be in the driver’s seat of their lives.
It’s about empowering every young person to get to a place where they feel completely different from when they started. This is real work about real people, and as a therapist, I can help them learn how to self-regulate in order to maintain a sense of inner calm and balance.
I’m Sue Sirlin, and I’m a licensed psychotherapist for children, teens, and young adults, practicing for 25+ years virtually and in Norwalk, CT.
I always seek to build bridges with youth by forging a strong connection from the get-go to allow the therapeutic work to unfold. I never fight a child’s resistance, but rather go with it, to allow defenses to calm. Inherently, I believe in the innate goodness and innocence of children. All kids and teens seek approval, trust, and a close connection with their parents, teachers, and caregivers. Behavioral aberrations are red flags that demonstrate something is interfering with their adjustment.
It is my job to uncover what that is and how to put it to rest. This is intimate work. I teach children, teens, and young adults how to navigate daily concerns and traumatic moments by drawing upon their assets, skills, and knowledge base. Our work concludes when children, teens, or young adults can regularly mitigate their own stressors to optimize their level of functioning.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDI earned my Bachelors from Northwestern University in French Literature and Psychology. I continued on to earn my Masters from New York University in Counselor Education. I am licensed to practice counseling in the state of Connecticut.
I’ve worked to provide therapy for individuals and facilitated groups in numerous mental health centers, such as: Boost Child & Family Services, Family Centers, Jewish Family Service, The Renfrew Center, Sexual Assault Crisis, Center for Human Options, and many other community settings. I’ve also worked as a preschool teacher for 10 years prior to becoming a therapist, which gave me a strong understanding and background in early childhood development.
I frequently consult with Connecticut public and private schools, offering crisis intervention, observations, recommendations, attending 504 & IEP meetings, and providing on-going support as needs arise.
My Approach
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I mindfully work with each client tailoring therapy to their specific needs. So, no size fits all. Taking valuable cues from my clients, I combine treatment methods to personalize treatment based on their unique skills, strengths, and challenges so we can productively address their concerns.
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I believe in the power of positive thinking and living in the present moment. I help clients to understand what is within their power: their voice, feelings, actions, reactions, and choices.
I inform kids and young adults there are numerous solutions to any single problem—we just need to be creative and reflective enough to identify solutions and analyze which best meets their needs. Once individuals realize they have the power within to affect lasting positive change in their lives, they gain a quiet confidence, feel more resilient, and can fly solo.
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With me, the child or teen always comes first. I sincerely care about what is in their best interest. Yet, children / teens do not live in a bubble. They need social-emotional skills to comfortably interact in their family unit, school, and community. I keep an open, ongoing dialogue with parents, teachers, and specialists to create consistency within the child’s life domains, which optimizes learning.
“Sue has a special ability to connect with children.”
She was able to quickly understand my nine-year old’s social-emotional needs and help him become more cognizant of his behavior. My son respects Sue's opinions, feels comfortable with her, and looks forward to working with her weekly.
— K.M.
When I’m not working, you can catch me practicing and competing often as a Latin Ballroom dancer with my professional dance instructor or hiking with my dogs. I am married with two adult children, and reside in Westport, CT.
More about Me