[About]
With more than 30 years of experience, Susan has walked alongside and listened to the stories of countless women and men and across the United States and around the world, helping them to discern and engage what God seems to be doing in their lives. Because of her unique background, she is an especially attentive listener and effective communicator. Her work is thoughtful and wise, Biblically and theologically informed, educational and inspiring. She is committed to providing practical guidance in the present and God’s hope for the future.
A Licensed Professional Counselor for over two decades, Susan continues to work with The Allender Center, facilitating lay counselor training and women’s sexual abuse recovery. She enjoys a vibrant counseling practice, and was voted "Best of Charlottesville, Virginia" for four years in a row by the public.
Susan has two master’s degrees: one in education from the University of Southern California and one in counseling from Grace Theological Seminary. She completed her counseling internship under the direction of Dr. Larry Crabb and her mentor, Dr. Dan Allender. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and an Advanced Christian Life Coach. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and the International Christian Coaching Association.
Susan is a graduate of the Selah Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction. She offers spiritual direction companionship by nurturing awareness and attentive listening to God. She is a member of and abides by the Code of Ethics of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors’ Association.
Susan and her husband John live in Fresno, California and are the parents of two adult children, Evan and Elisabeth.
[TESTIMONIALS]
"What first struck me about Susan, and what continues to be true of her, is her immense kindness coupled with great insight. She consistently sees the core issues at the heart of my struggles. And then, with a depth of kindness I have never experienced before, she leads me to a place of healing in my story. She is quite literally teaching me to treat myself with gentleness by modeling that through her own treatment of me. As a result of my work with her, I have ceased to berate myself for things in my past. I can look at them with grief rather than disdain. And as I quiet the inner voices of condemnation, I find myself healing in ways I never thought possible. Amazingly, I find myself able to enjoy my present and look forward to my future."
S.S.
"Susan Cunningham is a priceless gift for the kingdom of God. I have worked with Susan in leading workshops for women who have been sexually abused for over 20 years. Her presence, wisdom, humor, and strength invite the heart to know a depth of freedom I have seldom seen. Susan combines the rare ability to help a person know their own heart well while also offering a clarity about their calling. It is one thing to know one’s past with greater honesty, but it must translate into creating a more true and beautiful future. There are few coaches and spiritual directors who hold past and future together with such depth and wisdom. She is one of the best I know in the field. I can’t recommend her more strongly without sounding excessive. She is a brilliant and gifted woman."
Dan B. Allender Ph.D.
Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President
The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
"There is a short list of people for whom I can say they have been used to alter the course of my heart and life. Susan Cunningham is on that short list. Her astute ability as a counselor to partner with God and see and speak into the intricacies of the human heart infused hope in me at a time when I most needed it. I’ve given her name to scores of friends who are wanting a fresh breath of Him into their age-old struggles and issues. I’m honored to recommend her to any hungry heart.”
Sara Hagerty
author, "Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet"
"Susan Cunningham offers counsel, coaching, and support with an uncommon weave of strength and grace. Her knowing insights into the human heart are shaped by her well-seasoned faith and her extraordinary ability to creatively listen and poetically speak. For those of us who struggle with the unfinished work of the past, or the dailyness of life’s difficulties - without exception, Susan is the wisest of guides."