Susan Banco, LCSW, LCSW-R

Susan Banco is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with thirty years of practice in New York. She trained at Adelphi University and has worked in community settings, schools, and day programs. Susan has taught other social workers and led counseling for individuals, groups, and families. Her manner is warm and conversational and she focuses on helping people find workable next steps.

She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life changes. Susan also supports those facing relationship or intimacy concerns, parenting challenges, and career or employment stress. She addresses issues related to alcohol and drugs and provides coaching when clients want practical strategies.

Susan draws on several approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered work, motivational interviewing, narrative techniques, and solution-focused methods. In sessions she mixes practical skill-building with conversational reflection. That blend helps people reduce symptoms and make clearer decisions.

Sessions often focus on learning new coping skills, changing unhelpful thought patterns, improving communication, and setting achievable goals. She works with people on blended family issues, commitment or communication problems, and the fallout of divorce or separation. Other issues she addresses include shame, forgiveness, loneliness, and questions about life purpose.

Susan offers a flexible range of formats to fit busy schedules, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. She encourages people to take a first step by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a session.

How Susan Uses Therapeutic Methods Online

Client-centered work is about listening closely and following each person's concerns. It focuses on understanding where a person is and offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space to talk through problems and choices.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people notice patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress or low mood. It includes learning practical skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts and try small behavioral changes to improve day-to-day functioning.

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative way to help someone clarify their goals and strengthen the reasons for change. It is useful when a person feels stuck or unsure about committing to new steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. That collaborative process aims to match techniques to each person's needs and preferences.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow a fuller conversation and visual connection, phone calls can work when bandwidth is limited, and messaging is useful for brief check-ins or ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to try different formats as needs change.