Suzanne Koch Eckenrode is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Board-Approved Clinical Consultant (BACC), and both an International and California Certified Gambling Counselor Level II, with over 25 years of clinical experience and specialized expertise in gambling disorder, affected others, trauma, and relational recovery. She is a clinician, trainer, supervisor, and consultant specializing in gambling disorder and its relational impact.
Her work focuses on individuals with gambling disorder as well as partners, parents, and family members affected by gambling-related harm and co-occurring concerns. Integrating an attachment-focused EMDR lens to address trauma alongside the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns that can drive and maintain gambling, her clinical approach views gambling not only as a behavior but also as a response to overwhelm, internal pressure, and underlying patterns. For others, gambling may be reinforced by strategy, competition, performance, or the belief 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, betrayal, and the loss of safety and trust. From there, the work supports deeper healing, relational repair, and meaningful, lasting change. Suzanne is also 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, Suzanne provides training, consultation, and supervision for clinicians treating gambling disorder and pursuing specialized certification. She develops treatment models, assessments, and curricula for gambling disorder recovery programs and has created and delivered webinars, trainings, and clinical supervision series on gambling harm, relational repair, and trauma-informed approaches to care. She serves as Training Director and a Board Member of the California Council on Problem Gambling, bringing both professional expertise and a grounded, human approach to her work. She combines evidence-based methods with warmth, directness, and a belief that change is possible with the right structure and support.
Outside of her work, Suzanne enjoys ocean swimming, yoga, travel, and spending time with friends, family, and her beloved pup.
