Susan M. Rugari, LMFT Associate - Dallas Whole Life Counseling

Susan M. Rugari, MEd, LMFT Associate incorporates a variety of therapeutic
approaches in her work. She meets the client where they are and has a general
focus on promoting self-awareness and emotional healing. She brings personal
warmth, authenticity, and curiosity to the therapy setting to create an atmosphere of
understanding, support, encouragement, and emotional safety.

Identifying thought processes, exploring behavior, and attending to emotions are
part of her therapeutic process. Specific approaches include Gestalt therapy
(present moment, experiential, integrating mind and body) and Bioenergetic
Analysis (restore natural flow of energy in the body through breathing, movement,
and grounding). Susan is a member of the International Institute for Bioenergetic
Analysis and the Dallas Society for Bioenergetic Analysis.

In work with couples, the overall goal is assisting the couple to become a stronger
team through stages of bonding, learning to be separate, growing as a person,
reconnecting, and deep teamwork. Along the way, Susan supports each member of
the couple in enhancing self-awareness, speaking their truth, and listening when
their partner does the same. The process also involves healing from past
developmental (growing-up) wounds and wounding within the couple dynamic.

Susan is a member of The Couples Institute and works with the Developmental
Model of Couples Therapy

Education and Experience

Susan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who is supervised by Kenneth Bateman, EdD, LMFT-S, LPC-S. Her master’s degree in counseling and development is from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Additionally, she has three degrees in nursing (BSN, MSN, PhD). Susan has a unique skill set as a therapist, nurse, and educator. Through over 30 years working as a nurse and educator, Susan learned a lot about people and herself. Becoming a therapist was a way to assist couples, individuals, and families in development, healing, and bringing about lasting change.

Susan Rugari sees clients for:

Anger Management
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
Divorce
Family Counseling
Family Issues
Grief & Loss
Individual Counseling
Relationship Issues
Stress Management
Trauma & PTSD

Lynn Richardson 2 year ago

The secessions are great; but they need help answering and returning phones calls to make appointments and other front desk tasks.
PLEASE ANSWER THE PHONE!!

...

Jonathan Anderson 3 year ago

I have known James for over twenty years and wholeheartedly vouch for him as an exceptional therapist and business coach. He is one of the most intelligent and compassionate people I have seen in my 25 years as a mental health provider and corporate coach. James has a remarkable talent for identifying and leveraging individuals' natural strengths, crafting interventions that empower rather than foster dependency on therapy. Beyond his professional skill, James incorporates a disarming sense of humor, creating an atmosphere where clients feel at ease.

James is talented therapist who works confidently with depression, anxiety and trauma, and who particularly excels as a couples therapist and business/corporate coach. He has a unique ability to help couples build skills that provide insight and connection while still challenging each person to manage issues in their "blind spots.”

His skill with relationship building extends to business relationships, leadership and growth. A business owner himself, James' insight into how companies evolve and thrive allows entrepreneurs to quickly understand what is needed thrive and how to incorporate those strategies.

James has owned and managed Dallas Whole Life for over 20 years and he ensures a commitment to excellence by assembling a team of top-tier mental health professionals that includes counselors, psychologists and coaches. Dallas Whole Life is a well-respected practice in the DFW area and has been featured in the Dallas Morning News, and several local and national tv and radio media outlets.

I do not hesitate to refer people to Dallas Whole Life for their virtual therapy and coaching needs.

Kristen O'Neill 4 year ago

This is a wonderful practice and I consider myself very lucky to have found them. I saw James for a while out of network and he was worth his weight in gold. I truly appreciated the methods used as they really did help me to grow. James was perfectly compassionate and direct and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Dallas Wholelife Counseling 5 year ago

I would like to say after working in this field for a while I absolutely love working at Dallas Whole Life , the owners Dr Heather and James Robbins actually care about connecting you with the right therapists , so your needs are met. , They are definitely in this business to help others. Our therapists are the best ! I cant say enough about the therapists , the owners and the difference we want to make , Its a great place to be !!!! Betsy Carter

Donald James Wall 5 year ago

Dallas Whole Life Counseling, has been a useful resource for me. In offering online appointments, Dallas Whole Life makes practicing mindfulness simple. Steve is the associate I speak with and he's as dynamic as he is resourceful. I highly recommend the Dallas Whole Life experience.

Randy Stanley 6 year ago

I worked with Betsy in the office to get a counselor for my mother after the death of my father. Betsy bent over backwards to find the perfect counselor for her. Diane Williams was awesome. She is compassionate and helpful. These people are a gift from God. Our thanks to both Betsy and Diane for all that you do!

Clay Taylor 6 year ago

Ordinarily I am in good spirits. However, as life sometimes has it, I am in a situation that has made me pretty anxious. Dallas Whole Life Counseling (DWLC) was recommended to me. For that I am certainly thankful. Within DWLC I met and have been seeing Breanna Katz for counseling for several months. It has been a blessing as Breanna allows the flexibility to explore issues, yet sensitive enough about the more important issues to guide our conversations toward a more productive outcome.
I think it is important to say that at session's end, I feel better prepared to deal with those important issues that trigger the anxiety. I would, therefore, heartily recommend Breanna Katz and the Dallas Whole Life Counseling center when counseling seems to be the route to take.

Shebrena Evans 6 year ago

I have been seeing Ms.Katz for six months and the improvement in my mental health has been Amazing.The counseling I am receiving has far exceeded my expectations.I highly recommend Dallas Whole Life

Tina Dunne 8 year ago

I have had an excellent experience with Steve Reedy. What initially began as couples' therapy transitioned into personal therapy that helped me address deep-seated issues that have negatively impacted my life for many years. Steve wasn't confrontational and didn't lecture me what my issues were. Instead, he helped lead me until I had those "ah ha" moments of self discovery. As a result of Steve''s counseling, I have a whole new, positive attitude about myself, which has changed the way I interact with others as well. Pursuing counseling with Steve has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Steve.

Dallas Whole Life is an Opencare Patients’ Choice Winner

Susan M. Rugari

Bio

Education and Experience

Susan Rugari sees clients for:

Susan M. Rugari Sees Clients for:

Insurance Accepted

Susan M. Rugari

Education and Experience

Susan Rugari sees clients for:

Susan M. Rugari Sees Clients for:

Insurance Accepted

Real Testimonials from Real Patients