Susan O'Connell, LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 35 years of experience in Wisconsin. She began her career focused on addictions and family impacts of substance misuse. Over time she has broadened her work to include depression, stress and anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, chronic medical issues, and caregiver fatigue.

Susan aims to meet people where they are. She helps them find strengths and build practical plans for change. She uses straightforward conversation, education, and homework to extend progress beyond the session.

Her background includes long experience in addiction work and supporting people facing illness and loss. She describes helping people through life changes, isolation, and career or parenting strain. She also addresses concerns around intimacy, self-esteem, money and financial stress, and issues linked to family of origin.

Susan relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and draws on Client-Centered and Solution-Focused approaches. She stays current with newer ideas and adapts methods to each person's needs. Sessions involve practical tools, skills practice, and collaborative planning.

She emphasizes respect for the effort it takes to reach out. The tone of her work is direct and supportive, aimed at reducing overwhelm and creating usable steps forward. People who want clear guidance and doable strategies often find this approach helpful.

How her approaches translate to online work

Susan uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors; this approach is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with health changes. Client-Centered Therapy is about listening carefully and following the person's priorities so the work fits their life and values. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, concrete steps and goals to build momentum and measure progress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. She will work together with the person to figure out which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust the plan as progress is made. The collaboration helps make sure techniques are workable for daily life.

Session logistics and formats were not specified in the provided biography, so please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule appointments around work, handle short check-ins, or avoid travel time. It can also help people maintain continuity of care while managing chronic medical issues or caregiver responsibilities.