Lessons from Local Leaders:

Susan Saint-Rossy

Real Talk About Relationships with Susan Saint-Rossy, The Relationship Therapist

When it comes to love, connection, and the complicated world of relationships, few people bring the depth, warmth, and clarity that Susan Saint-Rossy does. In a recent episode of The Alimond Show, we had the pleasure of speaking with Susan—licensed psychotherapist and founder of The Relationship Therapist—about the evolving dynamics of modern relationships and how she helps couples and individuals find healing, connection, and emotional resilience.

From the Boardroom to the Therapy Room

Before stepping into the world of psychotherapy, Susan spent nearly a decade in high-level corporate roles as a marketing director and management consultant. But what truly captivated her wasn’t the strategy—it was the people. That curiosity led her to pursue a master’s in clinical social work and ultimately become a therapist.

Over the past 25 years, Susan has practiced in five countries—including China, Russia, Botswana, and India—offering her a deeply global and culturally diverse perspective on relationships. She now calls Lansdowne, Virginia home, where she runs a thriving solo private practice.

A Therapist for Every Stage of Relationship

While Susan specializes in couples therapy and marital counseling, her work also includes:

• Premarital therapy
• Individual relationship coaching
• Divorce recovery
• “Therapy for Late Bloomers”—a term she lovingly coined for individuals in their 20s and 30s who haven’t yet had a serious relationship and are distressed about it

Her sessions are rooted in attachment theory, vulnerability, and emotional collaboration. As she puts it, most people don’t really know what a healthy, safe, long-term relationship looks like—because they didn’t grow up seeing one.

The Real Issues Couples Face

While social media often paints picture-perfect love stories, Susan reminds us that true partnership is “a series of ruptures and repairs.” From miscommunication and emotional shutdowns to sex, finances, and co-parenting conflicts—many couples simply don’t know how to collaborate or express their needs vulnerably.

Susan takes on a coaching and teaching role, helping couples understand that they’re essentially two strangers with different upbringings, expectations, and emotional languages. Her work is about guiding them to build agreements, show empathy, and create emotional safety—not just manage logistics.

For the Late Bloomers

One of the most meaningful areas of Susan’s practice is supporting late bloomers—people who’ve never been in a serious relationship and feel lost, ashamed, or unworthy of love. She helps them understand the attachment wounds that may be holding them back and gently guides them toward emotional healing and dating confidence.

And yes—there have been happy endings. “It’s really fun to see them fall in love,” she says, acknowledging that the path may not be linear, but it is deeply rewarding.

Gentle Truths and Graceful Goodbyes

While many therapists are tempted to label a relationship as “over,” Susan resists that impulse. “I never say that. I’ll say the prognosis isn’t good, but even on the brink, people can shift.” And even when breakups happen in her office—as they sometimes do—she’s there to help each partner grieve with grace and begin the process of emotional recovery.

A Final Word of Advice: Don’t Wait

Perhaps the most urgent takeaway from our conversation with Susan? Don’t wait. “I’ve had couples come to me who haven’t been intimate in years or who’ve been fighting for five years straight,” she says. “You can heal, but it’s much easier if you seek help early.”

Whether you’re single, dating, newly married, or 20 years in, the support of a skilled therapist like Susan Saint-Rossy can make the difference between merely coexisting—and truly connecting.

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