Susan Buniva, MSW, LCSW
Collaborative Divorce: The Kind and Gentle Approach
Therapy: A Gateway to Personal Growth and Peace
Welcome. I am so glad you are here and want to support you in gathering information as you make this important decision to find either a therapist or a collaborative divorce coach. Choosing a therapist or coach involves finding someone with the right training and credentials but also someone with whom you will feel comfortable as you approach this challenging process. I am sure you are looking for someone with both experience and training in the type of difficulty you are experiencing and who practices in a way that fits your personality, values and goals.
Though I provide both therapy and divorce coaching, I do not provide both services to the same person as they are distinctly different services designed to address very different needs.
I hope that you will make yourself at home on my site and learn more about the services I provide, how I practice and if I might be a good fit for you or could help you find someone who would be a good fit. Though I have tried to anticipate your questions and concerns, I am sure that you may have questions that I have not addressed. You are welcome to call me to further explore those questions and/or concerns.
Education/Training
I received my BA in psychology from Antioch College in Ohio in 1977 and my MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia in 1981. In addition to academic credentials, more than 25 years of extensive continuing education has provided training in family therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy, hypnotherapy, interpersonal therapy, communications training, conflict resolution, mediation, mindfulness, parenting skills, sexual abuse, grief, post partum depression, LGBT issues, trauma, spiritual direction, cognitive therapy, behavioral finance, and more.
Bio
Work experience has included an internship at the Menninger School of Psychiatry, staff positions at community mental health centers, adjunct faculty at Longwood College and University of Phoenix (undergraduate), and VCU (graduate school), corporate consulting, prison training, and more than 20 years of private practice.
I have also met all the training requirements for full membership as a Divorce Coach with the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and am a member of the Richmond Collaborative Law Practice Group and Virginia Collaborative Professionals.
While all the above outlined credentials and experience are important, what is more important is who I am as a person. In the end, none of these skills, experience, or vast body of knowledge would have any value or meaning if not delivered by a caring person of integrity, depth, humor, and compassion. I believe that my most important credential is that I have always done my own hard work internally and in relationships so that I am no stranger to the journey.
Memberships
International Association of Collaborative Professionals
National Association of Social Workers
Virginia Society of Clinical Social Workers
Hours:variable
License:VA
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Life Transitions
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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