Susan Shouse, LMSW

Susan Shouse is a licensed clinical social worker with 26 years of practice in Michigan. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or addiction. Susan offers a calm, respectful space where people can talk through problems and build practical skills for daily life.

She uses approaches that focus on the person’s needs and goals. Sessions are collaborative and paced to match what each person can manage. Susan listens closely to clarify what matters most and then works with people to set small, achievable steps.

Susan often draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. She also uses client-centered methods that prioritize empathy and a genuine therapeutic relationship. Mindfulness practices and solution-focused strategies are woven in to support coping and forward movement.

Her work covers many everyday struggles, including relationship strain, parenting stress, sleep and eating problems, career questions, and identity concerns. Susan also addresses trauma, substance use, bipolar mood management, and compassion fatigue in caregivers.

People who choose Susan can expect straightforward tools, practical problem solving, and attention to personal strengths. She tailors the plan as progress happens, shifting approaches when needed. The overall goal is clearer thinking, steadier emotions, and more workable routines.

Sessions are available through video calls, phone, live chat, or text messaging for those who prefer remote care.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Online sessions with Susan commonly draw on cognitive behavioral techniques and client-centered methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test out different behaviors to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and change habits. Client-centered work emphasizes a compassionate, respectful relationship where the therapist reflects what the person is saying and helps them make their own choices.

Mindfulness is also used to teach simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and support better sleep or emotional regulation. These approaches can help with stress, cravings related to addiction, low mood, and day-to-day coping challenges. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work; Susan collaborates with each person to choose approaches that match their goals and comfort level.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people use visual cues and more in-depth conversation. Phone sessions can fit into a tight schedule or use less bandwidth. Live chat and messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, tracking progress, and getting support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to fit therapy into busy lives.