Susan Swindell, Licensed Psychologist–Master (she/her)
Sue Swindell is a Licensed Psychologist and has worked in community mental health for more than 30 years. She believes fervently in the principles of hope, relationship, respect, and recovery.
She has developed and directed several of Washington County Mental Health’s residential programs for clients having difficulty succeeding in traditional placements. She also played a critical role in the development of Second Spring, Vermont’s first Residential Recovery Residence. In 2007, she became the Director of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program for Washington County Mental Health.
She is passionate about DBT and providing effective treatment to individuals who use problematic coping to manage overwhelming emotions. Many of these individuals have experienced complex trauma. She has provided training and consultation statewide, especially on the topics of DBT, self-care, self-regulation and sustaining therapeutic relationships with challenging clients.
Sue has had a dedicated mindfulness practice for more than a decade and brings a deep understanding of mindfulness-based interventions. Sue is also an avid hiker, adventurer, and wannabe photographer. She has been a lead DBT trainer for the State of Vermont since 2008.
2021 Presentation
Intentional Organizational Wellness
Organization wellness does not happen in a vacuum. It takes effort, intention and planning. Find out how two Vermont organizations have made it part of their organization culture.
Presentation Summary:
Organizational and employee wellness in a trauma informed environment is essential. This workshop will explore 2 Vermont agencies’ journeys in order to promote health and wellness to staff, those receiving services and the community at large. Organizations must focus on compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma and burnout. Staff self care is prioritized and will lead an organization from compassion fatigue to compassion satisfaction.