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SV Portrait of Susan VanHuizen

Susan VanHuizen

Practical, compassionate therapy for life transitions

LMSW Michigan

Experience
20 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Languages
English
Continue with Susan

About Susan

Susan VanHuizen is a licensed social worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 20 years of clinical experience. Her work blends practical, evidence-informed techniques with an empathic, person-centered sensibility to address depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction concerns.

Background and approach

She emphasizes skill-building and thoughtful goal-setting so clients can navigate life transitions and regain a sense of control. Susan’s practice focuses on fostering resilience after major changes such as divorce or chronic health challenges, and on helping people heal from shame, rebuild self-worth, and clarify life purpose.

She also supports those dealing with chronic pain, illness, or disability and addresses patterns like codependency, control issues, and family of origin problems. Her approach integrates strategies for coping, emotional regulation, and motivation tailored to each person’s circumstances.

Clients work with Susan to develop healthier coping skills, reduce isolation, and repair strained relationships while addressing practical concerns such as money and financial stress. She combines clinical experience with a respectful, nonjudgmental stance to help individuals move toward greater clarity and emotional balance.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction-related behaviors by teaching practical skills to challenge negative thinking and build healthier routines. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, which can be especially helpful for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to explore goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, adjusting techniques over time to find the best fit for the client's needs.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapeutic work into a busy life and to maintain continuity during transitions. These formats support ongoing skill practice, timely check-ins, and access to a licensed professional from varied locations, helping clients pursue consistent progress while balancing practical constraints.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Susan commonly address?
She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction issues, low self-esteem, and difficulties coping with life changes. Additional areas include family problems, codependency, chronic illness, and financial worries.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
Sessions emphasize practical, skills-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques alongside mindfulness and motivational strategies to build coping skills and emotional regulation.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
Susan brings 20 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
She holds an LMSW with record MI LMSW 6801081995 and practices in Michigan.
Are sessions available in other languages or for international clients?
Services are provided in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Clients may meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability and preference.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and services are delivered through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersSelf-harmSelf-loveWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational Interviewing

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English