Susan Reuling Furness

Susan Reuling Furness, M.Ed., LCPC, LMFT, has served the counseling needs of the Greater Treasure Valley since she opened her private practice in 1989. Susan knows that trust is essential for a counseling relationship. In order to earn that trust, she pledges more than skill, attention, and the requisite confidentiality. In addition, she will offer respect, sincerity, truthfulness, and a commitment to bring her best self to every counseling appointment. In this way, she will open the door for you to move forward.

Susan believes the job of a therapist is, first and foremost, that of an effective teacher. Between the years of 1990 and 2000, she taught at The College of Idaho and Boise State University mentoring hundreds of students as they prepared for careers in the helping professions. She continues now as a supervisor for interns in counseling. A frequent presenter at state, national and international conferences, Susan also serves as a consultant to Treasure Valley businesses and organizations, helping management and staff improve communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. In addition, she is an experienced parent educator.

Before entering adult life in Dallas and Chicago, Susan cut her teeth on family values of honesty and integrity. She participated in Girl Scouts, 4-H, Sunday School, school music and theater programs. From these roots, she has dedicated her life to helping others. Her passions include creative writing, photography, outdoor recreation, travel, family, and home. She is the mother of two grown children, and the doting grandmother of three grandchildren. She populates her life with dogs, cats, and birds. Susan is married to Timothy J. Furness.

Services

Individual Therapy

I think of myself as a member of Your Team. My role is to fine-tune my listening to your dilemma and goals, and help you find the inconsistencies and stuck-points in your story. As you trust me with the honest truth of your situation, we team-up to find effective new ways for you to deal with your problem and your life. We look for solutions, to fit with your principles and values. You will always be treated with the utmost measure of confidentiality, dignity and respect.

I often encourage my clients to explore life in a journal, create a collage, or bring photographs to sessions. If you are open to guided imagery or hypnosis, I am trained and skilled in these approaches.

Areas of Specialization

• Women, Men, Children
• Hypnosis
• Expressive Therapy
• Depression
• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Relationships, Marriage and Family
• Grief and Loss
• Parenting & Step-Parenting
• Life Transitions including Aging, Relocation, Divorce
• Self-Confidence & Assertiveness
• Workplace Relationships

Clinical Hypnosis

Susan received hypnosis training at the Milton Erickson Institute in Phoenix, AZ, recognized as the foremost training institute for clinical hypnosis world-wide. As part of a commitment to excellence, she consults on cases with Dr. Eric Greenleaf, director of the Erickson Institute of the Bay Area and other colleagues from all over the country. Susan subscribes to the highest professional standards as set forth by The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Most clients respond well to hypnosis. Different from stage hypnosis, therapeutic hypnosis offers neither canned scripts nor out-of-control feelings. Instead, it promotes deep focus and relaxation. The process will help you retrieve innate strengths and resources. I like to think of hypnosis as a way to open the door to new possibilities. My sessions are always tailored to fit your specific situation and needs.

Hypnosis is often seen as part of holistic healing. Many conditions, which might otherwise require medication, improve with hypnotherapy. A partial list of these conditions is presented below:

• Allergies & Asthma
• Anxiety & Stress Conditions
• Concentration Difficulties
• Depression
• Fears
• Headaches & Migraines
• Hypertension
• Pain
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Sleep Disorders
• Smoking Cessation
• Stage & Sports Enhancement
• Test Anxiety
• Trauma Responses
• Weight Control
• Worry & Fear about Medical Procedures

Organization & Business Consultation

Susan serves to build harmonious, productive work teams. She offers brief presentations, detailed seminars, and retreat packages as well as leadership coaching and interventions for employee conflicts.

All team-building and conflict resolution services are designed to meet the individual needs of a group or organization. To better understand the needs of your group, a preliminary meeting can be arranged. There is no charge for a needs assessment.

Susan has helped improve employee and employee-management relationships at Treasure Valley businesses and organizations for the past 25 years. These organizations include St. Lukes Regional Medical Center, Idaho Power, Healthwise, Anser Charter School, Boise Public Schools, Nampa Public Library, Boise State University, Treasure Valley Community College, and Boise City. In 1998 Susan served as Facilitator for the Mayor’s Task Force on Police and Youth Relationships.

• Conflict resolution and mediation for management or employees
• Keynote presentations
• Team-building retreats and seminars
• Staff retreats
• Supervisor consultations

The Write Path

(Journal Writing, Poetry Therapy Groups, & the Expressive Arts)

“Writing . . . has been a sturdy ladder out of a deep pit.” ~ Alice Walker

Journal writing relieves pain and confusion for anyone who is willing to pick up a pen or pencil. Write Path groups are designed to support healing and growth through the expressive arts. Susan holds certification from the International Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy.  A Write Path group introduces poetry, literature, photographs, and/or music to prompt discussion and writing.  Write Path groups are inspiring, enjoyable, and affordable therapy.

For more information about The Write Path visit www.writepath.org

Licenses and Certifications

• Idaho Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC – 287 (1989)
• Idaho Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC – 71 (1996)
• Idaho Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT – 33 (2002)
• Idaho Certified Professional Mediator, CPM – 31 (1996)
• Registered Poetry Therapist, PTR – National Federation for Biblio/PoetryTherapy (2007)
• Poetry Therapy – Mentor/Supervisor – National Federation for Biblio/PoetryTherapy(2011)

Employment History

• International Trainer- Assignments in Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries (2019-present)* (listed below)
• Counselor and Consultant – Private Practice, Boise, Idaho. (1989-present)
• Freelance Writer – Independent contractor for articles and chapters. (1996-present)
• Instructor – Albertson College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho. (1989-1995)
• Instructor – Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. (1993-present)
• Contract Group Facilitator – Intermountain Hospital, Boise, Idaho. (1990-1993)
• Intern – Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. (1988-1989)

International Trainings & Presentations

• Brief therapy in Guadalajara, MX (2019) CEFAP institute, Mexico.
• Brief Therapy in Guanajuato, MX (online) CEFAP institute, Mexico. 2021
• Brief therapy in Sonora, MX (online) CEFAP institute, Mexico. 2021 -2022
• Sexual Brief Therapy in Sonora, MX (online) CEFAP Institute, Mexico – July 2022
• Keynote Address: International Congress on Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Abuse, Puebla, MX  (online) – October 2020
• Treating Anxiety and Depression with Expressive Therapies – Puebla, MX – (scheduled for) July 2023

Education

• M.Ed. Guidance and Counseling, The College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho. (1989)
• B. S. Foods and Business, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. (1968)

Professional Associations

• American Academy of Psychotherapists (1994 – 2004)
• American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
• American Counseling Association
• National Association of Poetry Therapy
• Idaho Counseling Association
• Idaho Mental Health Counseling Association
• The Cabin Literary Center, Boise, Idaho

Postgraduate Training

• 120 hours Hypnotherapy Training & Supervision – Milton Erickson Foundation Phoenix, Arizona (2009-2011)
• 40 hours Mediation Training: Erickson Mediation Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota. (1994)
• 15 graduate credit hours in Communication, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. (1997 – 1998)
• 75 hours “Write from the Heart” with Joan Logghe, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. (1998 – 2004)
• 1100 Mentored and Supervised Hours – Poetry Therapy Registration. (2003 – 2007)
• Family Therapy Supervision with Carl Whittaker (phone supervision. 1991-1992)
• Diagnosis and Statistical Manual IV training: Albertson College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho. (1994)
• Additional Post Graduate Training in:
  • Psychiatric Medication
  • Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment
  • Solution-Oriented Therapy
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Divorce Mediation and Negotiation
  • Brief Therapy
  • Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
  • Men and Women’s Issues
  • Sexual Harrassment
  • Grief Counseling
  • Victims of Sexual Abuse
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Art, Music, and Other Expressive Therapies

Publications

For more information about Sue’s publications see writepath.org

• Chapter: “The Terrible, Awful P-Word,” in Manual for Hospital Workers. Michele H. Pelling, Ed: Propell Group, Newberg OR. (publication pending)
• Chapter: “Climbing Out of the Snake Pit” in The Writing Group Book: Creating and Sustaining a Successful Writing Group. Lisa Rosenthal, Ed. Chicago Review Press: Chicago. (2003)
• Article: “Grandma’s Recipe Stands Test of Time,” in Country Woman. (Nov/Dec 2003)
• Humor Article: “How to Organize Your Desk,” in Focus, magazine of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (January 2003)
• Memoir Contest Winner – Essay: “Picasso’s Boise,” in Boise Magazine. (Winter 2000)
• Poetry Selections: In Newsletter. The American Academy of Psychotherapists. (2001 – present)
• Poetry Selections: In Standing: Poetry of Idaho Women. (2000 – 2005)
• Poetry: “Thin Skinned,” Springtime Writers, Online publication. (2002)
• Article: “Secret Recipe,” Dishrag Soup & Poverty Cake – An Idaho Potluck of Essays on Food, Idaho Humanities Council. (2006)
• Poetry: “Courage,” in Layers of Possibility: Healing Poetry from The National Association of Poetry Therapy Members. Palabras Press, Calgary, Alberta. (2007)
• Memoir Contest Winner – Essay: In Company of Devils published in Idaho Magazine. (January 2008)
• Article: “The Ghost Of Critics Past” in Once Upon a Place: Writing from Ghost Ranch. Anita Skeen and Jane Taylor, Eds. Night Owl Press: Woodbridge, VA. (2008)