- Evidence based techniques
- Strengths focused
- Illinois LCPC
About Susan
Susan Hoffstetter is a licensed clinician with 16 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings, or the aftermath of trauma. She also supports those facing addiction, obsessive or compulsive behaviors, and challenges with self-esteem or anger.
She approaches therapy as a collaborative process. Susan treats each person as the expert on their own life and looks for strengths to build on. In sessions she listens closely, helps sort through problems, and works with clients to set clear, practical goals.
Over her career she has worked with people affected by sexual assault and abuse and with those coping after natural or human-caused disasters. She offers straightforward, evidence-based techniques to help manage intense emotions, reduce unhelpful behaviors, and improve daily functioning.
Susan holds an LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, in Illinois. Her style is direct and compassionate; she encourages small steps that add up to meaningful change.
Getting started follows a simple process on the site. After a brief matching questionnaire, clients can schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability. Susan emphasizes practical skills and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Many of the evidence-based techniques Susan uses focus on teaching concrete skills. Cognitive-behavioral methods help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try practical shifts in thinking and behavior to reduce anxiety and depression. Exposure-based strategies address obsessive behaviors and trauma reactions by building tolerance to feared situations in small steps.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. That discussion guides which techniques are tried and how they are adapted over time in collaboration with the client.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Online work also makes it possible to practice skills between sessions in familiar routines, then bring observations back to talk through and adjust the plan.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Susan works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family strain, grief, anger, self-esteem issues, OCD and related compulsions, sexual assault aftermath, trichotillomania, and coping after natural or human-caused disasters.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
Her approach is collaborative and practical. She helps clients identify strengths, set small goals, and use evidence-based techniques to manage symptoms and behaviors.
What is her professional background?
She has 16 years of professional work experience supporting people with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, mood disorders, and addictive behaviors.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
Susan holds an LCPC, which is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and she is licensed in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are costs and billing handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.