About Palm Beach Coastal Counseling &
Dr. Suzie Duff, LMHC
In this world filled with the need to have a perfect outer appearance, it’s hard to figure out what’s real and what’s not.
Life can be messed up and really unfair sometimes, especially right now, it feels like the world is so divided and disconnected. And as each day comes you feel overwhelmed, stressed out and not good enough.
You want to stop second guessing yourself and your decisions. Feel more confident in your abilities and start really living a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. You want to feel worthy and capable.
I get it. I’ve been there.
It’s Nice to Meet You! I’m Suzie.
We all just want to be comfortable with who we are and feel like someone gets us. That’s where I come in. Counseling helps you organize what’s happening in your head; what’s making you feel stuck. Sometimes the only way to figure it out is to speak with someone who can help you deal with it.
Your feelings matter, your past matters, that thing that happened to you—it matters.
My role is to help you organize all those overwhelming feelings and help you get out of your head. Really take a look at what’s holding you back from the life that you want and the person you want to be. Then, we come up with a plan. It might mean learning new ways to manage your emotions and relationships or be challenged in thinking about things in ways you never have.
Then, we look to find meaning in your life. We focus on your strengths and re-awaken how to use them to your benefit. We talk about drawing healthy boundaries and focus on what’s important to you and how to spend less time focusing on things or people that drag you down and wear you out.
We put you back in the driver’s seat of your life, prepared with the skills you need to face whatever comes your way.
The Parts of Me that Connect to You
Therapy is ultimately about you and not me—that’s one of the best parts about therapy! But there are three aspects you should know about me, so here we go:
Therapist
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida (MH10260) with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. I also have a PhD in Educational Leadership and Research Methodologies from Florida Atlantic University. I started Palm Beach Coastal Counseling because of my love for people and therapy, but that’s only part of what I do.
College Professor
I teach Psychology and Counseling classes full time at Palm Beach State College and I am the department chair of Human Services. It’s such a great job and I have the pleasure of training future people helpers like Social Workers, Addiction Counselors and Therapists who will serve the needs of people throughout Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.
Wife, Doggie-Mama and Adventurer
My husband and I live right here in beautiful Palm Beach County. We have two dogs and we love the water. We especially like glamping, paddle boarding and scuba diving. I have been to over 30 countries and have a deep love of diversity.
What I’m Like In Therapy
I know reaching out and talking with someone you don’t know can feel uncomfortable. No worries. I’m genuine and easy to talk to.
The clients I do my best work with describe me as being compassionate, joyful, sincere and having positive energy. I do a lot of listening and ask questions to make sure I’m understanding exactly what’s happening and how you’re feeling. I use casual language and am happy to explain anything you don’t understand.
I really care about what’s happening with you and am interested in what you think and feel. I'm really good at seeing the good that emerges from difficulty so prepare to be blown away by the good that exists in you! I'm also funny and hope we'll do a little laughing.
Therapy isn’t about finding what’s “wrong” with you, it’s about helping you see the strengths you already possess and giving you the tools to build on them.
Oftentimes, it’s the small changes that make a big difference. My goal is to help you see positive change as soon as possible. We will come up with goals the first session, so progress starts right away, and I will check in with you often as we work together to make sure that I can be as helpful as possible as you work toward reaching your goals.
Your life matters to me. Your stories matter, your experiences matter. Our connection with each other matters and is an important part of the healing process. Feeling deeply cared for by your therapist is one of the most important parts of the therapeutic experience.
A Glimpse Inside My World
SUPERPOWER
Sensitivity and the ability to connect and see good in people
HOBBIES
Traveling, paddle boarding with our dogs, and scuba diving
LIGHTS ME UP
Nature and things that are beautiful
VALUES
Equality, diversity, respect, depth of character, authenticity, trust, goodness, generosity of spirit, adventure
DRINK OF CHOICE
Rum and diet coke in a Yeti
INSPIRED BY
Wisdom, the willingness to be vulnerable, and talking about things that matter
I’VE LIVED
In Maryland, Florida and I spent 3 months in Europe
MY STYLE
Genuine, earthy, vivacious
DAILY RITUALS
Prayer and coffee
How We Meet
My Office
My office is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, close to Jupiter, Palm Beach Island, Palm Beach Shores, Singer Island and North Palm Beach.
Online Therapy
Online therapy is located in the comfort of your home from anywhere in Florida.
Therapy in Nature
Incorporating nature as a therapeutic tool into our sessions adds an extra layer of depth, meaning and fun to the process.
