- CBT techniques
- Client-centered work
- Solution-focused steps
About Susan
Susan O'Connell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Wisconsin with 35 years of experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, depression, trauma, grief, parenting, self-esteem, career shifts, ADHD and related life changes. She names blended family issues among her additional focus areas.
She began her career in addictions work, supporting people with substance use problems and those close to them. Over time she added work with depression, caregiver strain, chronic medical challenges, and compassion fatigue. Her long experience means she has seen many different situations and common pitfalls.
Susan uses straightforward, skills-based methods in sessions. She often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and draws on Client-Centered and Solution-Focused approaches. Expect practical discussion, education, and homework to build skills between meetings.
Sessions tend to look at what is happening now and what can change next. She helps people identify strengths, set small goals, and try new ways of handling problems. This can include communication patterns, coping with grief, or managing stress related to blended household dynamics.
She writes that reaching out is difficult and notes that she respects that step. Her practice aims to be collaborative and action-oriented while acknowledging emotional struggles. People who want clear steps and tools for everyday problems may find this style helpful.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people clarify their feelings and priorities so they can choose the next step.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and some addictive behaviors and includes exercises to practice between meetings.
Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable goals and immediate changes. It is useful when someone wants concrete steps to try right away and to track progress in short order.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, and then adjust methods as work proceeds. That decision is collaborative rather than preset.
The original biography does not list which online session formats are offered. Confirm available formats before you book. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, or avoid commuting. It also lets people continue therapy across life changes while focusing on skill practice and real-world problems.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she typically address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family matters, depression, trauma, grief, parenting, self-esteem, career and related life changes. Blended family issues are listed among her additional focuses.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
Her style is practical and skill-based. She uses discussion, education, and homework to help people try new strategies between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience in social work and clinical settings, including extensive work in addictions and caregiver stress.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Wisconsin and practices there.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are provided?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options with her before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.