Susan O'Connell, LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of experience. She practices in Wisconsin and helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship or family struggles. Her approach is practical and down-to-earth. She meets people where they are and works alongside them to set realistic goals.

O'Connell began her career focused on addiction and expanded into related areas such as caregiver strain, grief, and chronic medical concerns. She also supports people dealing with intimacy issues, self-esteem, career questions, and life transitions. Her work often includes education and simple exercises to try between sessions.

Her main methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered work, and solution-focused strategies. She uses these to help people spot unhelpful thoughts, try small experiments, and build on what already works in their lives. Homework and clear steps are common parts of the process.

Sessions are practical and collaborative. She aims to help clients recognize strengths and create plans that fit day-to-day life. She explains ideas in straightforward language and checks in about progress along the way.

Susan notes she keeps up with new ideas in the field and applies approaches that match each person's goals. She works mainly Wednesday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays 8 AM to 2 PM. If evening sessions are needed, readers should consider other scheduling options elsewhere.

How Susan's Approaches Translate to Online Sessions

Her work commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods. CBT helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors with small, practical experiments. Client-centered work emphasizes listening and building on each person's strengths so goals fit real life.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. She will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences rather than prescribing one fixed path. The plan can change as progress and priorities shift.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video suits deeper conversation and visual cues. Phone calls can work when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat or text messaging can fit busy schedules and provide ongoing support between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or treatment schedules while keeping the focus on practical steps and skill building.