About susan loar
Keeping it real
People have described me as genuine, approachable, authentic, disarming, funny, and encouraging. I value the individuality of the people I work with and believe in the process of Personal Growth.
With over fifteen years of experience here in Nashville, I take a grounded, strengths-based approach to help my clients confront and cope with life's difficulties. I work with them to increase their insight and self-awareness while simultaneously challenging and supporting them.
I am a creative spirit and have lived in Nashville for over twenty years. In high school, I was voted Most Individualistic for the senior superlatives of my graduating class. Since then, I’ve continued to be someone who creates her own path, often drawn to things and people found on the fringes. I enjoy painting, yoga, writing, film, comedy/humor, improv, finding joy in the absurdities in life, all forms of art, music, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog, Bear Bear Danger.
stay(ing) weird
I take pride in walking alongside my clients through their experiences and bearing witness to the growth, healing, insight, and transformation inherent in the therapeutic process. A lifelong counselor at heart, I was naturally led to the profession by my own experiences. I hold myself as a human being first and a therapist second, which I feel serves me well in creating the foundation for relationships characterized by the honesty, respect, and safety that are necessary for the work I do with clients.
license and certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental-Health Service Provider- (LPC-MHSP), Certified by the Tennessee Board For Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists -TN2760, Licensed since 2015
Nationally Certified Counselor- (NCC), Certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Certified, since 2009
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certified by the Center for Credentialing Education, since 2023
relevant experience
Private Practice, 2015 - present
Centerstone, Therapist, Co-Occurring Program, 2012 - 2016
Medically Assisted Recovery Center (MARC), Counselor, 2010 - 2012
Bradford Health Services, Adult IOP Therapist, 2009 - 2010
Gilead Center, Practicum Student Counselor, 2008 - 2009
Education and training
M.ED in Human Development Counseling, from Vanderbilt University, 2010
B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Family Studies, from Middle Tennessee State University, 2007
ACS Certification 45-hour course, Clinical Supervision Series, online via DeeAnna Nagel and NBCC/CCE, 2023
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association, (ACA), member 2008 - present
Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, (SACES), member 2022 - present
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, (NPI), member 2008 - present
National Board for Certified Counselors, (NBCC), member 2008 - present
here to help you
Despite the years of dedicated study, when it’s all boiled down, I love to see people do and feel well. I believe that when one of us benefits, we ALL BENEFIT because we are connected. I take the responsibility of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for members of all communities seriously. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, committed to anti-racism, and open to people from all walks of life. All are welcome here.
