Dr. Susan Carter has been a practicing child psychologist and play therapist for nearly 30 years. She is now retiring, but continues to provide supervision, training, and telehealth services to children and their families.

In 1997, she founded the Center for Change and Growth, PLC and relocated to the Kalamazoo area in 2014.  In March 2021, Center for Change and Growth, PLC was handed to new owners who will continue the legacy of the past 30 years.

Since the beginning of her work, children and their families have been the focus of her treatment and training.  Dr. Carter has always been committed to providing the most current information, techniques, and interventions for clients, having completed over 1200 hours of continuing education in play therapy, evaluation, neuropsychology, and other topics related to the mental health of children.

 Educational and Professional Background:

  • 1976 BA Grand Valley State Colleges – Spanish
  • 1994 MA in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University
  • 1998 PhD in Counseling Psychology from Andrews University
    • Specialties in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
    • Specialty in Family and Marital Therapy
  • 2000 Fully Licensed Psychologist – Michigan

 

 Specialized Training:

  • Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor and Canine-assisted Play Therapy
  • Prescriptive Play Therapy (Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma-Focused)
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy
  • EMDR Level 1