Sue
Quick Facts: Sue is Samantha McAllister's insightful and supportive psychiatrist. Known affectionately as "Shrink-Sue," she first appears in the early chapters as Sam's long-time therapist. Sue plays a crucial role in Sam's journey toward managing her OCD and embracing self-acceptance.
Who She Is
Sue is more than just a therapist; she's a guiding force in Sam's life, offering a safe haven where vulnerability is met with understanding. With her direct yet empathetic approach, Sue helps Sam navigate the complexities of her mental illness and the toxic dynamics of her social life. She embodies the power of professional help and the importance of destigmatizing mental health, consistently steering Sam toward a healthier understanding of herself and her relationships.
Personality & Traits
Sue's personality is a blend of professional acumen and genuine warmth, making her an effective and approachable therapist. She possesses a unique ability to balance direct advice with empathetic support, empowering Sam to confront her fears and embrace her true self.
- Professional yet Approachable: Sue fosters a comfortable environment, encouraging Sam to be completely honest. She embraces the nickname "Shrink-Sue," breaking down the formal barrier between therapist and patient.
- Direct and Insightful: Sue doesn't shy away from difficult truths, offering straightforward advice, especially regarding Sam's friendships with the Crazy Eights. She perceptively identifies the toxic nature of the group and consistently encourages Sam to prioritize her well-being.
- Empathetic and Empowering: Showing deep empathy for Sam's struggles with OCD, Sue provides tools to empower herself, such as "thinking putty" to manage compulsive scratching and colored notebooks to channel her thoughts.
- Supportive: Sue is a steadfast supporter, helping Sam reframe her self-perception by focusing on her strengths. She analyzes photos from the swim meet to highlight Sam's confidence and friendships outside of the Eights.
- Wise and Grounded: Sue offers a grounded perspective on complex emotional issues. Her analogy about mistakes being essential for learning helps Sam begin to forgive herself for her past actions toward AJ Olsen.
Character Journey
Sue's role evolves throughout the novel, mirroring Sam's own growth. Initially focused on managing Sam's OCD symptoms through traditional methods, Sue adapts her approach as Sam faces more complex social and emotional challenges. She becomes a life coach, guiding Sam through friendship dilemmas, encouraging her to embrace her "Summer Sam" persona year-round, and helping her process the revelation about Caroline Madsen. Her profound explanation of Caroline as a psychological coping mechanism is instrumental in Sam's final steps toward self-acceptance, showcasing Sue's dedication to Sam's holistic well-being.
Key Relationships
- Samantha McAllister: Sue is Sam's therapist, confidante, and mentor, with their relationship built on trust and honesty developed over five years. Sue's office is the one place where Sam can be completely vulnerable without fear of judgment. Sue challenges Sam to grow and confront her fears, but always from a place of deep care and professional responsibility.
- Samantha's Mom: Sue works in tandem with Samantha's Mom to provide a comprehensive support system for Sam. Sue has trained Sam's mother to assist with exposure therapy, indicating a collaborative and professional partnership focused entirely on Sam's health and progress.
Defining Moments
Sue's guidance is marked by several pivotal moments that significantly impact Sam's journey toward self-acceptance and mental wellness. These moments highlight Sue's unique approach to therapy and her profound understanding of Sam's needs.
- The Swim Meet Photos: Sue asks Sam to analyze three photos from her county championship swim meet. By helping Sam identify the words "Friendship," "Inspiration," and "Confidence" in the images, Sue provides a tangible reminder of Sam's strengths and positive identity outside of her struggles. She instructs Sam to tape them inside her locker, a strategy that helps ground Sam in moments of anxiety at school.
- The Medication Compromise: Sue discovers Sam has stopped taking her sleep medication to write poetry at night. Instead of demanding compliance, she offers a compromise: a new, fast-acting medication that allows Sam to pursue her passion while still caring for her health. This moment highlights her flexible and patient-centered approach.
- The "Special Minds" Conversation: After Sam discovers the truth about Caroline, she is distraught, believing she is "crazy." Sue reframes the experience by telling Sam the story of a patient with synesthesia who learned to see his condition as a gift. This conversation is a turning point, helping Sam move from shame to an appreciation for her unique mind.
Essential Quotes
Sue's words are a source of wisdom and encouragement for Sam, reflecting her deep understanding of Sam's struggles and her unwavering belief in Sam's potential.
But Sue said she liked the name. And she told me I could call her anything. I could even call her a bitch, to her face or behind her back, because there would certainly be times I’d want to. I liked her even more after that.
This quote encapsulates Sue's approachable and unconventional style, showing her willingness to break down the typical therapist-patient barrier to create a safe space for Sam. By allowing Sam to express her frustrations openly, Sue fosters a relationship built on honesty and trust.
"You have to make decisions that are best for you, Sam. Not for Hailey or anyone else," she says in her straightforward way.
Sue consistently emphasizes the importance of self-care and prioritizing one's own well-being, particularly in the context of Sam's toxic friendships. This advice empowers Sam to make choices that align with her own needs, rather than succumbing to peer pressure.
"Mistakes. Trial and error. Same thing. Mistakes are how we learned to walk and run and that hot things burn when you touch them. You’ve made mistakes all your life and you’re going to keep making them... The trick is to recognize your mistakes, take what you need from them, and move on."
This quote highlights Sue's grounded perspective on mistakes, framing them as essential learning opportunities. By encouraging Sam to view her past actions with compassion and understanding, Sue helps her move toward self-forgiveness and personal growth.
"Your brain works differently, Sam. Sometimes it does things that scare you. But it’s very special, and so are you."
Sue reframes Sam's OCD as a unique aspect of her mind, rather than a flaw, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and appreciation for her individuality. This perspective shift is crucial in helping Sam embrace her "special mind" and recognize her own inherent worth.
"She didn’t make you brave, Sam. You did that all on your own."
Sue acknowledges Sam's agency and inner strength, reinforcing the idea that Sam is the driving force behind her own progress. This affirmation empowers Sam to take ownership of her journey and recognize her own resilience.