Books

The courage to put into words: share and (en)lighten, even when difficult

Changes in Susan's writing reflect her shifting foci in other areas—from expressive arts therapist to personal coach, from hobby artist to more of a full-time professional oil painter. This author's earlier published books explore art-making, reading, writing, and journaling as important therapeutic tools. Her upcoming books and blog are more concerned with actual life experiences: everyday happenings and the challenges and inspirations that go along with them.

Writer's Statement

Most of my writing incubates for a long time. Fresh events or encounters act as catalyst: bring it to the surface at unexpected, as well as ideal, moments. However, regardless of when those moments may be, underlying truths and habitudes prevail. I like to mean what I say and say what I mean. I am also a bit of a perfectionist and text is edited and re-edited countless times, even if this doesn’t appear evident. A lot of effort goes on behind the scenes, much good stuff (by others’ standards) not getting an airing. We are often our own toughest critics!

Published Books
Academic, clinical, and comprehensive

Susan’s earlier publications, about her work a novice expressive arts therapist, are more clinical and academic. They are primers for anyone wanting to enter, or know more about, the expressive arts therapies (art and poetry, in particular), as well as the treatment of eating disorders. Fundamental theories, practices, and issues are discussed with the sensitivities of someone who was learning and growing on the job and while writing. These books can be purchased from most popular on-line booksellers.

THERAPEUTIC ART DIRECTIVES AND RESOURCES:
Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups

With Commentaries by Cathy Malchiodi (pub. Jessica Kingsley, 2000)

This book stands alone, as well as evolving naturally from More Than Just a Meal. It includes a myriad of exercises that can be used by various populations, eating disordered or not. All exercises are tried and proven. Cathy Malchiodi, Susan’s most influential expressive arts therapies teacher/mentor, comments on their application, and shows a strong appreciation for her student's work. This book has been translated into Hebrew (by Ach Publishing, 2006) and Korean (by Sigma Press, 2009).

MORE THAN JUST A MEAL: The Art of Eating Disorders

With Forewords by Brian Lask and Cathy Malchiodi (pub. Jessica Kingsley, 2000)

This book explores Susan’s innovative approach to the treatment of eating disorders by looking at seven years of professional experience with a variety of clients. Approximately 50 images and 25 poems are included, as well as reviews of theories, practices, and case histories. Leaders in the fields of eating disorders and art therapy, respectively, provide forewords (Brian Lask and Cathy Malchiodi). Both know Susan’s work and are encouraging of her methodology, enthusiasm, and results.

POETIC WISDOM: Revealing and Healing

With a Foreword by Peggy Osna Heller. (pub. Charles C. Thomas, 1998)

Susan's experience with poetry therapy was similar to that with art therapy: the searching for a single book that outlined its history, theories, and practices. Unsuccessful again, she decided to create her own. Though written in the language of someone not yet qualified to practice, constantly seeking mentorship along the way, this book is still quite innovative. The 250 “Wordscapes” (the name Susan gives to her poetry) bring it to life. In her foreword, pioneering poetry therapist, Peggy Osna Heller, praises Susan’s industry, creativity, and originality.

A CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO ART THERAPY:
For Prospective Employers, Clients, and Students

With a Foreword by Judith Rubin (pub. Charles C. Thomas, 1994)

As a student art therapist, Susan had tried to find a single book about art therapy, one that outlined its history, theories, and practices. Out of luck, she decided to create her own—written in the language of someone still in training, constantly seeking authority along the way. (Quotes and references are included from many sources.) Pioneering art therapist, Judith Rubin, writes the foreword, validating and applauding this book's conception.

All of these publications can be obtained from a variety of on-line booksellers. These include:
www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.booksamillion.com, www.powells.com, www.walmart.com, www.alibris.com

Works in Progress
Provocative, Insightful, Amusing, Sad, Real

Susan's newer manuscripts and blog are more focused on day-to-day experiences than therapy theories and techniques. They provide fresh possibilities to expose and resolve a variety of issues—for singles, dog-lovers, travelers, the socially responsible, and more.

Susan can't reveal exactly what she's writing about before it appears. However, she can provide clues about subject matter with some of her watercolor sketches. Potential readers might enjoy imagining as they "read between the images."

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