Grief, Divorce, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Coping Skills
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Sue
Sue Gillis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 40 years of experience supporting adults and seniors. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, and family or parenting challenges. Sue has worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential care, and community health settings. Her clinical background includes service with the U.S. Army and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Brockton, MA. Her approach is grounded in compassion, trust, and collaboration.
Sue holds 2 Master’s degrees in Public Health and Guidance and Counseling from Boston University. She uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and acceptance and commitment therapy to meet clients where they are.
Sue values the therapeutic relationship and considers walking alongside her clients an honor. She focuses on building trust and helping individuals enhance their quality of life. Sue believes counseling can support both large and small goals, empowering clients through each step of the healing process.
"I am grateful for the long life I’ve lived so far and hopeful for many more years. Through clients and coworkers, I’ve learned that with support, problems can be solved, challenges can be improved, and open conversations can truly enhance quality of life."
Get to know Sue
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I decided to become a counselor after meeting an Army Psychologist who showed me how interesting it was to hear another persons life story and join them for part of their journey.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I’m most effective with clients who have a trauma history.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I enjoy most of my clients, I think everyone has strengths and I look for that. I usually have equal numbers of men and women on my caseload.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
The value of treating everyone with respect.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks allows therapists to spend maximum time with clients and minimal time on administrative tasks.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who pursue their passions, especially those who seek to understand a variety of cultures.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In the first session, we start getting to know each other, I always tell clients that it takes time, there aren’t any shortcuts. I like to identify short and long term goals fairly early in the process and I use the first session to talk about trust as the basis of healthy relationships.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I want the client to walk away from the session feeling respected and hopeful that I will work closely to address their concerns.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
They should know that I’m an older clinician and that they won’t be judged. I’ve always appreciate Carl Roger’s idea of unconditional positive regard toward all.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I like to be out in nature, I travel, I make jam and pickles, I like live music, movies, good food and most of all time with family and friends.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
Living a creative life.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 40 years
- Graduating institute
- Boston University
- Graduating degree
- Masters in Public Health
- Graduating institute
- Boston University
- Graduating degree
- Masters in Public Service in Guidance and Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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