Suzanne Koch Eckenrode is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, and both an International and California Certified Gambling Counselor Level II, with over 25 years of experience in the problem gambling field. She is a clinician, trainer, supervisor, and consultant specializing in gambling disorder and its relational impact.
Her work focuses on individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm, integrating an attachment-focused EMDR lens to address trauma—along with the emotional, behavioral, and relational drivers of gambling. Her clinical approach views gambling not only as a behavior, but as a response to overwhelm, internal pressure, and underlying patterns. It also recognizes that for some, gambling is tied to strategy, performance, and a sense that outcomes can be predicted or influenced. Treatment emphasizes early stabilization, accountability, and nervous system regulation, while also addressing the real-world impact of financial instability, secrecy, and trust disruption. From there, the work supports deeper healing, relational repair, and meaningful, lasting change. She is the recipient of CalGETS’ Achieving Success: One Step at a Time Award, recognizing excellence in the treatment of individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
In addition to her clinical work, she provides training, consultation, and supervision for clinicians treating gambling disorder and pursuing specialized certification. Suzanne develops treatment models, assessments, and curricula for gambling recovery programs. She has created and delivered webinars, trainings, and clinical supervision series on gambling harm, relational repair, and trauma-informed approaches to care. Suzanne serves as the Director of the Training Committee and board member of the California Council on Problem Gambling. Suzanne brings both professional expertise and a grounded, human approach to her work—combining evidence-based methods with warmth, directness, and a belief that change is possible with the right structure and support.
Outside of her work, she enjoys ocean swimming, yoga, travel, and spending time with friends, family, and her beloved pup.
