My name is Susan Fishlock, LCSW, I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience and specialized training in working with victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual abuse, working with both children and parents who are currently working through the process of adoption. I am also experienced and currently training in working with families through a systems approach.
After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Ramapo College of NJ and my Masters in Social Work at Rutgers University I trained and worked as a social worker for a non for profit agency working with children and families who had experienced or witnessed abuse. As part of my education and internship requirements I attended a comprehensive training and worked in a domestic violence transitional shelter for one year I provided counseling to women who had been in a domestic violence relationship. I co facilitated groups at the domestic violence shelter working from a cognitive behavioral approach. Whilst employed by the non for profit agency I worked as part of a team to stabilize families who had difficulties in their lives due to experiencing or witnessing trauma and due to lack of resources. I also worked with children and families who were working through the process of adoption; I worked with both the adoptive and bio families. I also worked as a consultant meeting with families in their homes for an eight week period providing intensive in community counseling.
In my personal life, I am the mother of two grown children. Having lived in England and in being a first generation immigrant to the United States, I am sensitive to the difficulties that families experience when leaving their familial support system and country of origin. My therapeutic approach is sensitive and empathic, yet realistic and goal oriented. I believe in working from a strengths based perspective and looking at the system of the family.
I recently completed a two year training in Family Therpay Certificate Program at the MultiCultural Family Institue, Highland Park, NJ, under the direction of Monica McGoldrick, LCSW, PhD (hc). I believe that this training will enhance my ability to work with families and individuals. I use several therapeutic techniques but specialize in systems therapy, Bowenian family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and support therapy.