Susan Rick, LCPC

Susan Rick is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and related concerns. She writes and talks plainly with clients so they can find practical steps forward. Her focus is on building self-compassion and better communication skills one step at a time.

Susan uses straightforward tools to reduce overwhelm and manage panic and mood symptoms. She often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking. Mindfulness and acceptance strategies are woven in to help with keeping perspective during hard moments.

Sessions aim to teach skills that fit daily life. Clients work on things like handling difficult conversations, responding to anger, or breaking cycles of isolation. Treatment plans are shaped around immediate problems and longer-term goals so progress is measurable and realistic.

With eight years of clinical experience in Illinois, Susan brings steady, calm guidance to each meeting. She pays attention to how attachment, shame, and impulsivity affect relationships and behavior. That helps when people are dealing with abandonment fears, control issues, or struggles linked to mood disorders.

Susan also supports people managing ADHD, bipolar symptoms, and healing after abuse or domestic violence. Her style is warm and direct - she listens first, then offers practical strategies. The overall aim is clearer choices, more self-trust, and better coping for day-to-day life.

How CBT, ACT, and Client-Centered Work Online

Susan often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and acting. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, which can help with anxiety, panic, and mood symptoms. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on values and willingness to accept difficult feelings while still moving toward chosen goals; it can be useful for stress and trauma-related avoidance. Client-centered therapy centers on listening and empathy, giving people space to feel heard and to find their own solutions.

Susan treats figuring out the best approach as a team effort. She will talk with the person about their needs, goals, and what feels most useful, then try strategies together and adjust as needed. The process is collaborative and paced to what the person can handle.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face work on skills and emotional check-ins. Phone or chat can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Text messaging and live chat are useful for brief support between sessions or when someone prefers written reflection. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while using the same therapeutic tools as in-person work.