About Susan Farber

Work Experience & Specialized Clinical Training

Brain Injury and Stroke

Prior to making the move to full-time private practice in 2002, I worked as an intern at Solutions at Santa Barbara, a neuro-cognitive rehabilitation center for individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury and stroke. Under the guidance of a licensed clinical psychologist, I became experienced in providing adjustment counseling to individuals and their family members coping with the devastating effects of a life-changing event.  

While at Solutions, I was fortunate to gain personal insight and understanding of the cognitive deficits and adjustment issues a person faces from a head injury. This came about from being involved in a bike accident where I sustained a loss of consciousness, mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and laceration of my spleen. I developed post-concussive syndrome and chronic pain resulting in a temporary leave of absence.  At that time in my life, I was burning the candle at both ends, racing my bike, training 8-12 hours per week, building a private practice and working full time. The universe forced me to slow down and to take note that my fast paced and overachieving lifestyle was not working for me.   During the recovery process, I experienced debilitating cognitive fatigue which enabled me to grow accustomed to being rather than doing. I eventually recovered and returned to full-time work a year later. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining balance and mindful being and enhanced my understanding of the adjustment issues and recovery process.

Mind-Body Connection

I was first introduced to the concept of the mind-body connection as an intern at the Family Therapy Service Agency.  I was fortunate to be supervised by a seasoned therapist with a specialty in stress illness and chronic pain. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical about the concept of denied emotions being manifested in bodily symptoms.  However, through my own psychological and physical recovery from my bicycle accident, I became open to the mind-body connection and was able to own and free myself of negative beliefs and emotions which prevented me from living a pain-free life. This recovery process cemented my belief in the interconnection between one’s body and emotions.

Additional Specialized Training

I also have additional specialized training in art therapy, sports psychology, guided imagery, meditation, and drug/alcohol counseling.  As a certified aromatherapist and trained natural perfumer, I am able to facilitate client-centered blending of essential oils to anchor positive mind and feeling states. I have a strong interest in athletic performance and enhancement, growing from my personal experience as a competitive athlete. My expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy lends itself to working with competitive athletes struggling with self-limiting beliefs and performance anxiety.