About Dr. Susan Gardin

Gardin Counseling was founded by Dr. Susan Gardin, Dr.PH, LMHC, LPCC, gifted and inspiring psychotherapist, educator, and speaker with advanced academic and clinical expertise. Her work is grounded in compassion, clinical insight, and a deep belief in the human capacity for growth, connection, and healing.

With decades of experience, Dr. Gardin supports individuals in navigating emotional challenges, strengthening relationships, and creating lives filled with meaning, purpose,
love and joy.

Dr. Gardin is the creator of an emotionally-focused approach to parenting that helps parent navigate the challenges of parenting with confidence and clarity. Informed by the most up-to-date research in child development and brain science.

How Gardin Counseling supports you

Gardin Counseling helps individuals, couples, and families:

Develop effective parenting skills

Rekindle intimacy and emotional safety

Cultivate inner peace and self-awareness

Improve self-esteem and self-confidence

Learn to negotiate needs effectively

Navigate life transitions and build resilience

Clarify values, goals, and life direction

Develop positive communication patterns

Heal from past trauma

Professional background

Dr. Gardin brings a unique integration of clinical practice, academic training, clinical practice and real-world experience to her work. She is known for her thoughtful, emotionally-focused approach and her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical guidance for everyday life.

Her work focuses on healing past wounds, developing healthy communication patterns, restoring emotional safety, and helping individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence.

Education & Training

Doctorate (Dr.PH) from UCLA
Master’s degrees (MA, MS, MPH) from UCLA, USC, and  
Brooklyn College (CUNY)
Bachelor’s degree (BA) from Stanford University

Post-graduate training, Harvard Medical School Center for
Palliative Care
Post-graduate training, Ackerman Institute for the Family
Post-graduate training, Sensory Integration International

Clinical & Academic Experience

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Gardin has served on the faculty of the following colleges:

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Touro College, Manhattan
Los Angeles Valley College

Her academic experience informs her therapeutic work, grounding it in research, developmental science, and evidence-based practice while remaining deeply human and accessible.

Multi-state Licensed

HIPAA-compliant confidential teletherapy

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Author & thought leadership

Dr. Gardin’s book, Heart-Powered Parenting, is soon to be released as a comprehensive guide for parents of children and teens. Her writing reflects her commitment to helping families foster connection, emotional safety, and long-term relational health.

Speaking & teaching experience

Dr. Gardin offers workshops, lectures, and professional trainings for parents, educators, clinicians, and community organizations. Her presentations are known for their warmth, clarity, and practical application, blending research-based insight with guidance.

Words from those I’ve worked with

Thoughtful reflections shared by individuals and families about their counseling experience.

“ had couple's therapy with Dr. Gardin and it was the most freeing experience I have ever had. She is just amazing... the way she helped me and my girlfriend see things from different perspectives and own our parts….  [Dr. Gardin] gave me hope that I can have meaningful relationships. I don't fear the therapy process any longer. I embrace it!"

From: DB

Words from those I’ve worked with

Thoughtful reflections shared by individuals and families about their counseling experience.

“ had couple's therapy with Dr. Gardin and it was the most freeing experience I have ever had. She is just amazing... the way she helped me and my girlfriend see things from different perspectives and own our parts….  [Dr. Gardin] gave me hope that I can have meaningful relationships. I don't fear the therapy process any longer. I embrace it!"

From: DB

“ had couple's therapy with Dr. Gardin and it was the most freeing experience I have ever had. She is just amazing... the way she helped me and my girlfriend see things from different perspectives and own our parts….  [Dr. Gardin] gave me hope that I can have meaningful relationships. I don't fear the therapy process any longer. I embrace it!"

From: Local