Sue Venzke

Sue Venzke, MSW, LICSW, I have been a therapist at DBT Associates for 14 years.  I have an MSW degree in social work from the University of Iowa and have worked in the field of mental health for 45 years. (Wow!) A tiny, plucky nurse from Kentucky, who was one of my mentors, advised me to keep changing jobs so that I stay fresh in my skills and interests.  I took her advice and have worked at a regional treatment center, community mental health center, day treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs, supervised staff and co-developed a comprehensive CSP program with residential, work, drop in center, psychosocial learning center, community outreach and crisis team, medication management and recreational components based on the Boston Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. In a residential program I did program development, program evaluation, and implemented and trained all staff in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation model. In the last 18 years I have worked in mental health clinics as a therapist specializing in DBT, and I recently trained in Radically Open DBT that addresses therapy needs for individuals who are over controlled and lonely.  My approach to mental health treatment and therapy is person centered and a collaborative relationship with my clients. I have worked with many wonderful people, both clients and staff, and I have taken new learning and treasures from all. I’m curious and I like new adventures and meeting diverse people.  In my spare time, I garden, read, swim and hang out with my corgi, Dozer.  My new adventure, at a ripe age, is taking horseback riding lessons. My life motto comes from Helen Keller: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but is my chief duty is to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”