Susan Heartlight: Choosing Love, Healing, and the Power to Believe

From the age of ten, Susan Heartlight felt a calling that would shape the course of her life. When she chose to be baptized, she did so with a heartfelt desire to emulate Jesus—loving others, healing those in pain, and believing in the miracles life could offer. That early decision set the foundation for a lifetime devoted to serving others through counseling, coaching, and mentorship. “It is my honor and privilege to serve others,” Susan says. “To be beside them, offering a leg up so they can see their greatness and reject doubts, fears, uncertainties, and lies that hold them back.”

Throughout her more than three decades of professional experience, Susan has worked with veterans, trauma survivors, and individuals seeking peace and clarity. 

In each case, she has noticed a common thread: people in emotional pain want relief. Often, this pain stems from events in childhood or adolescence—situations where individuals didn’t know better, kept experiences secret out of shame, or compared themselves to others. Faulty thinking, she explains, is at the core. “The ego does not want us to go to counseling or therapy because society says, ‘There must be something wrong with us,’” she says. “But faulty thinking can be corrected. We can rewire our brain to think positive and love being alive.”

Susan’s own childhood played a significant role in shaping her approach. Growing up in a home where “children were seen and not heard,” she often felt invisible. 

Her parents worked long hours and were unable to provide guidance, direction, or encouragement. That lack of attention left Susan with feelings of low self-worth and uncertainty about her future. These experiences cultivated deep empathy and a desire to be fully present with those she now serves. “In a session with me, my focus is on you,” she explains. “I want to know where you are and where you want to go. I want to brainstorm the ideas and steps you need to take to get there.”

Education became a lifeline and a source of personal transformation for Susan. Pregnant at fifteen and sent to a school for expectant girls, she faced long commutes that involved buses, ferries, and walking. Yet the small classes and personal attention ignited her love for learning. “The attention I received was like sunshine and rain on a flower,” she recalls. “It made me thrive—I felt alive.” Her grades soared, and her confidence grew. Later, she attended community college, where she became a campus leader, and eventually earned a full scholarship to a private Catholic college. Education, Susan says, not only restored her self-worth but paved the way for her life’s mission of helping others discover their own potential.

Faith has been a guiding force throughout Susan’s journey. She has experienced life’s twists and near-falls, yet her belief in God’s presence and love kept her on a path of hope and service. “God has always been with me,” she says. “I believe in God and the Human Spirit to SOAR. Judgment only brings a person down, while forgiveness sets them free to create a worthy and successful life.” This faith informs her nonjudgmental approach, allowing her to guide clients through challenges with compassion and encouragement, emphasizing that change is possible through conscious decision-making.

Susan’s career has also taught her profound lessons about presence and listening. She has learned that when someone experiences trauma firsthand, the most powerful response is often simply to be still, sit on the floor, and listen with love. Her intuition and inner guidance also play a crucial role in her work, alerting her when additional support or intervention is needed. “Listen to your soul,” she says. “It is always there to guide you.”

A central philosophy in Susan’s work is helping clients discover that the answers they seek are already within them. Through deep listening and thoughtful questioning, she empowers individuals to explore their own solutions. “If you knew the answer, what would it be? What are your options? Which one seems best?” she asks. Susan encourages reflection and self-trust, reinforcing the idea that each person has the wisdom to navigate their life.

In addition to her counseling and coaching work, Susan has found healing through writing. Partnering with She Rises Studios provided her with a safe space to share experiences she had long kept private. Writing became a form of liberation, allowing her to confront past shame and give voice to her inner child. “To keep these experiences inside held me prisoner,” she says. “Publishing them removed the duct tape from my mouth and broke the chains of shame.” Through writing, she not only healed herself but also created a resource for others to find courage and freedom in their own journeys.

At the heart of Susan’s work is a simple, yet powerful message: You are loved. You are important. You matter. 

Each person possesses gifts and talents, and through faith and self-belief, anyone can create the life they dream of. Gratitude, service, forgiveness, and joy are essential elements of a fulfilling life. “You cannot out give God,” Susan says. “When you give to others, your gratitude multiplies and comes back to you a thousandfold.”

Susan’s daily practice embodies her motto: Think Positive and Love Being Alive. She consciously chooses positive thoughts, offers blessings to those facing challenges, and trusts in the unseen support of angels and spiritual energy. This philosophy shapes both her personal life and her work, creating an environment where hope and healing flourish.

Through her decades of service, Susan Heartlight has become a beacon for those navigating pain, trauma, and uncertainty. From the young girl who felt invisible to the seasoned counselor who helps others see their worth, her life exemplifies resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love. Her work reminds everyone she touches that life is precious, that healing is possible, and that joy is always within reach. Susan’s journey is proof that with faith, education, and unwavering commitment to service, the human spirit not only survives—it soars.

Connect With Susan

www.Susanheartlight.com

www.Onepowerforgood.com