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SO Portrait of Susan O'Connell

Susan O'Connell

Experienced LCSW guiding practical change

LCSW Wisconsin

Experience
35 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Susan

About Susan

Susan O'Connell is a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of practice in Wisconsin. She started her career focusing on addictions and supporting both individuals and their families through substance use challenges.

Background and approach

Over time she broadened her work to include depression, stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, chronic medical concerns, caregiver strain, and compassion fatigue, among other life challenges. O'Connell emphasizes meeting people where they are and helping them identify strengths and build practical plans for change.

Her approach blends years of training with current techniques; she draws heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and integrates client-centered and solution-focused elements, along with education and homework to extend the work between sessions. She aims to normalize the difficulty of reaching out for help and to support clients so they do not feel alone in their struggles.

Approaches and Online Options for Practical Change

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathetic space where clients' perspectives guide the work; it helps people clarify values and increase self-understanding while building on their own strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concentrates on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and teaching practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress through structured exercises and homework. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes concrete goals and small, realistic steps toward change, often useful for addressing specific problems and improving day-to-day functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to explore what methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made so the work stays relevant and usable.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to continue working on skills between meetings through assignments and written check-ins.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
Susan O'Connell works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family challenges, depression, grief, trauma and related concerns such as caregiver stress and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical, meeting clients where they are and focusing on strengths, skills-building, and manageable plans to support change over time.
What background and experience does she bring?
She has 35 years of experience, beginning in addictions work and expanding to a wide array of mental health and chronic medical concerns across her career.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds an LCSW and practices in Wisconsin; licence details are WI LCSW 3011-123.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English; she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for meeting?
Clients can connect by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their needs and availability.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions operate through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

Wisconsin

Languages

English