Skip Suess M.A., D.Min., LMFT
Discovery Counseling Associates - Licensed Therapist # LF00002568
4202 Meridian St., Suite 203
Bellingham, WA 98226 web page: www.discoverycounsel.com
Phone: (360) 676-9535 e-mail: [email protected]
Skip has been a licensed therapist for over 20 years helping individuals, couples and families of all
backgrounds work through personal, emotional, relational and spiritual issues, seeking solutions for
growth, healing and wholeness. His training and experience enable him to treat a broad range of
issues. His training and pastoral experience provide a faith based biblical, theological framework and
understanding to address spiritual related issues for clients looking for a Christian therapist.
Areas of Focus:
 Relationship issues: Couples work, life transitions, pre-marriage, marriage tune-up,
communication, conflict resolution, divorce recovery, sexual issues, affair recovery and healing.
 Personal growth, life changes, self awareness and understanding and self-care.
 Family issues: parenting, adolescents, blended families, seniors, family conflict, and life
adjustment.
 Emotional health and stress management.
 Life adjustment and transition.
 Loss and grief.
 Personal issues: anger, depression, anxiety and stress.
 Sexual problems and issues including pornography addiction.
 Trauma and post-traumatic stress.
 Christian counseling and spiritual issues.
 Christian ministry and church related issues.
Skip uses a number of different approaches depending on the client’s needs. These include family
systems approach, cognitive/behavioral approach, emotional focused therapy, insights from John
Gottman’s work, collaborative couple’s therapy and other modalities.
Professional and Educational Background
Skip began his counseling career at the Lodi Family Guidance Center and served as Executive Director
and lead therapist for the Center of Hope in Lodi, CA. Skip has been a pastor for 20 years offering
spiritual, emotional care and counseling for the church and community. He has a Masters Degree in
Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Divinity Degree
with counseling emphasis from the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA. He also has a
Doctor of Ministry Degree from Carey Theological College in Vancouver, BC with doctoral study focusing
on pastoral emotional health, self-care, managing church conflict and understanding the church as a
family system. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State and an ordained
minister.
Personal Information
Skip is married, has three grown children and has lived in Whatcom County for the past 18 years. He
enjoys sports, fly fishing, reading and cooking.