Meet Susan Paterson

Sacred Conversations

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Life After University

Upon completing my degree I worked as a social worker for a while, but feeling so young, inexperienced and inadequate, I ventured off in other directions, working in clerical, secretarial and sales jobs and then studying Graphic Design.

God knew I had a heart that yearned for a deeper companionship with Him, but in my 20’s and 30’s I also experienced a kind of wilderness of loneliness and insecurity. Although still holding close to my Christian faith, I became confused and lost, vulnerable and open to anxiety and depression.

I continued to be involved in church life, but my hunger for a deeper connection to God was growing, I felt a deep sense of emptiness that only God can fill. Some days were simply a drudge – one foot in front of the other – with that gnawing ache for meaning, purpose, to know that I mattered. I know now that ‘empty’ is sometimes exactly what God wants us to experience so we will cry out for God alone. It’s an authentic, honest, but very uncomfortable place. As I leaned into God the Holy Spirit drew me ever closer to the Father and the Son.

In the late 1980’s, in the midst of those difficult years, God very specifically gave me His ‘calling’ to ‘feed my sheep’. It was a call to minister to my Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord and would take many forms over time. At that stage I was co-leading a discipleship group, and another group for seekers – both at my church.

In 1992 I found myself suddenly and surprisingly working back in social work. And from my late 30’s I gradually entered a time of more rest and trust, fruitfulness and satisfaction, joy and security.

In 1997, aged 40 I finally felt like I knew who I was.

In 1998 I enrolled in a Christian Counselling course. Studying in this area felt like coming home. After graduating, 2 colleagues and I established a private counselling practice, Connect Counselling, in Newtown, Sydney.

In 2002, at age 44, I met John, we married and he soon joined our practice. The opportunity arose, so in 2004 we moved to the Lismore area, bringing with us Connect Counselling, which was now just John and I.

Since January 2006 we have been participating in a non-denominational Christian church in Lismore, called One in Christ Fellowship, that serves the community of the Lismore Soup Kitchen, at the Winsome Hotel.

From 2011, I have met regularly with a Christian Spiritual Director, who gently accompanies me on my journey with and towards God. These meetings have provided a safe place to stop, to reflect, to change and to grow.

Over the last 5 years I have been surprised to encounter some big health issues that have highlighted my need to walk closely with God, throwing my life into his care. John, my Spiritual Director, and others have accompanied and supported me on this journey. We always need community. We are not meant to walk the Christian path alone – it’s too difficult.

It’s nearly 2022, and having now worked in private practice as a mental health social worker for 22 years I have been privileged to meet with many Christian men and women who, like many of us, struggle to find God or to make sense of Him in their lives. Many face enormous trials, confusion and pain – and together we look for God.

In 2015 John and I enrolled in Larry Crabb’s School of Christian Spiritual Direction, completing our studies in November 2017. We wanted to offer more – beyond the scope of our professional counselling. To be better able to support and encourage those who are hungering for a God Who is real and meaningful to them, and Who alone satisfies their soul.

So I now offer Sacred Conversations to those who want to deepen their relationship with God, and are looking for a companion on their Christian journey. If you would like to discuss more about Sacred Conversations please contact me.