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. 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.
