Today we’d like to introduce you to Susann Eirosius
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Divine intervention. I would like the credit for becoming a therapist but it was not an original thought of mine. In college I started off as a nursing major but found it to be lackluster & I didn’t get to connect with patients in the way I had imagined. I spent some time meeting/speaking with deans of various colleges trying to figure out what I wanted to do. Upon speaking with the Dean of Social Work at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, I was sold on the major of Social Work due to the variety of careers it incorporated. I always thought social workers just worked for CPS but the skills of this major is vast & applicable across many career sectors. I graduated with by BSW in 2012 & immediately started the graduate program at Texas State University. I graduated TSU in 2013 with a Masters of Social Work, concentration in direct practice. I got my License-LMSW in 2013. Upon graduation I immediately started applying for jobs. It was difficult finding work for the first 3 months due to lack of work experience required by most entry level jobs. In frustration, I ended up applying for anything that sounded relatable to social work, including a state hospital job all the way in Wichita Falls, TX. This was about 4.5 hours away from where I lived at the time & moving that far away from family was not something I had considered before. I ended up getting an interview at the North Texas State Hospital (NTSH) in Wichita Falls as well as NTSH forensic maximum security-Vernon campus. I was intimidated going up against more seasoned social workers for the positions but I continued to get call-backs for additional interviews. I eventually received an offer for NTSH-Child & Adolescent Program (CAP) as a Social Worker II. I spent 6 months in this position before they promoted me to Chief Social Worker of the CAP unit. I moonlighted additional jobs during this time which includes: facilitating group sessions/intake/discharge services at Red River Hospital (with CAP, geriatrics, veterans, substance use & adult populations) & as an adjunct instructor for Human Diversity at Midwestern State University. I spent about 4 years working on CAP & was provided with the opportunity to get my clinical supervision by the Director of Social Work at NTSH-Beth Kirk. This was provided for free as a benefit of working for the hospital. Again, divine intervention because I had known about the process of clinical supervision but with an entry level job I didn’t have the finances or time to seek out that training. I completed all requirements & received my LCSW license in 2016. During a local social work luncheon that I was invited to, I came in contact with a well known social worker in the city- Dee Lambert LCSW-S. She randomly asked if I had a clinical license, which I informed her I had just recently tested & received it. In 2017 she presented me with an opportunity to expand my clinical skills at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) called Community Healthcare Center in (CHC). This provided me with extensive experience counseling clients & increasing knowledge about psychotropics working alongside of medical providers. They opened up a new FQHC site in McKinney, TX called Family Healthcare Center (FHC) & asked if I would like to lead counseling services there (2018). This worked out perfect because I had my sister in Plano, TX & wanted to move closer to family. I worked both sites, meeting with clients in person at the FHC site & televisits at CHC following the pandemic in 2020. I remained at FHC until February 2023 & decided to branch out into private practice to allow more flexibility & independence on how I implemented counseling services. I opened The Unlearning Practice in 2023 & began building the practice utilizing marketing platforms. I have over 120+ active clients currently & several coaching clients that reside in other countries (Canada, New Zealand, Australia).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During my time as a counselor in clinics where the focus seemed to be on financial gain rather than the quality of services provided, I encountered significant obstacles. These clinics often operated in ways that were misaligned with my core values as a therapist. I believe that the essence of effective therapy lies in genuine care for clients’ well-being and long-term growth, not in prioritizing profits. This discrepancy led to challenges such as limited resources, short appointment times, and a lack of support for individualized care, all of which made it difficult to fully serve the needs of the clients in the way I believe is most impactful. Navigating these conflicts with my values was not only frustrating but also made me more determined to pursue environments where client care is the central priority, and where I can contribute meaningfully to their healing process.
Starting a private therapy practice presented a range of obstacles that required both resilience and adaptability. As an entrepreneur in the mental health field, I faced the challenge of balancing the business side of things—such as marketing, billing, and managing finances—with the core responsibility of providing high-quality therapeutic care. Establishing a client base from scratch was a slow and often uncertain process, and navigating the complexities of insurance networks and reimbursement rates added additional layers of difficulty. Additionally, managing the emotional and psychological toll of entrepreneurship, while also maintaining my own mental health and self-care, was a constant balancing act. Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my vision to provide a safe and supportive space for clients, and over time, I developed the systems and structures necessary to ensure both my practice’s growth and the high standards of care I aim to provide.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The Unlearning Practice, I provide counseling services rooted in client-centered and solution-focused strategies, which prioritize the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each individual. My approach is grounded in a deep respect for the client’s autonomy, allowing them to feel heard, validated, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey. By incorporating solution-focused techniques, I work collaboratively with clients to identify practical, actionable steps toward creating positive change and achieving their desired outcomes.
As a certified EMDR therapist, I bring trauma-informed care into my practice, offering a compassionate and effective approach to healing from past traumas. EMDR allows clients to process distressing memories in a safe, structured way, facilitating the integration of those experiences and promoting emotional resilience.
The concept of Unlearning is central to the work I do at The Unlearning Practice. Unlearning is the process of shedding old, unhelpful patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us. It involves a deep exploration of the mind and heart, breaking free from limiting narratives and embracing new, more empowering ways of thinking and being. I believe that unlearning is not just a therapeutic process, but the highest form of learning—allowing clients to step into their true selves with greater clarity, confidence, and self-awareness.
What sets me apart in my field is my commitment to building strong, authentic therapeutic relationships. I believe that the foundation of effective therapy is trust, and I work hard to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported and understood. Through these strong relationships, I am able to guide clients through deep, transformative work that fosters lasting change.
For those seeking counseling services, my approach offers the opportunity to not only address immediate concerns but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them. Whether through healing trauma, breaking old patterns, or navigating life transitions, the process of unlearning allows for profound personal growth, self-empowerment, and a renewed sense of purpose. My services offer insightful and actionable takeaways, enabling clients to leave each session with a clearer sense of direction and a stronger connection to their authentic selves.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S), I am dedicated to supporting and guiding the next generation of mental health professionals on their journey to obtaining their clinical license. With years of experience in the field, I offer structured, individualized supervision that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each supervisee. My approach emphasizes professional growth, ethical practice, and a deep understanding of clinical theory and techniques. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and reflective space where supervisees can explore complex clinical cases, develop their therapeutic skills, and build confidence in their practice. Through my supervision, I aim to foster both the personal and professional development of my supervisees, helping them navigate the challenges of clinical practice while ensuring they maintain the highest standards of care. I believe in the power of collaborative learning and provide ongoing feedback to encourage growth and proficiency in a variety of therapeutic modalities. My supervision is rooted in the belief that each clinician has the potential to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of their clients, and I am honored to help guide them on their path to licensure and beyond.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I really enjoy living in McKinney, TX because of its small-town charm combined with modern amenities. The community here is warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of neighborliness. I love the historic downtown area, with its cute shops, restaurants, and local events, which make it a great place to spend time and connect with others. The parks and outdoor spaces are fantastic, offering a great way to enjoy nature and stay active. McKinney also is close enough to Dallas to provide access to big city resources while maintaining a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
That being said, one thing I don’t particularly like about McKinney is the rapid growth and development. While it brings new opportunities, it also means more traffic and the loss of some of the town’s slower-paced, rural feel. As the area grows, I sometimes miss the quieter, less commercialized spaces that initially drew me here. Additionally, with the expansion, some of the infrastructure struggles to keep up with the increasing population, making certain parts of town feel a bit congested at times.
Pricing:
- I accept most major insurances: Cigna, Optum, Aetna, BCBS, Humana, some Medicaid & Medicare plans, Wellcare
- In process of being enrolled with: Ambetter & Parkland Medicaid
- Self-pay rates: $120 for 60min sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theunlearningpractice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunlearningpractice/
