Susan O'Connell , LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Wisconsin with a career that began in addiction treatment and expanded into a wide range of behavioral health concerns. She has worked directly with people affected by substance use as well as with their families, and over 35 years has developed deep experience addressing depression, stress and anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, grief and loss, chronic medical issues, caregiver strain, and compassion fatigue. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a credential indicating advanced training and clinical experience in psychotherapy and case management.

Susan emphasizes meeting each person where they are and helping them identify personal strengths to build practical plans for change. She uses education and homework to extend therapeutic work beyond sessions and supports people through transitions such as parenting challenges, career shifts, addiction recovery, and midlife concerns. Her background includes both long-standing methods and ongoing training in newer techniques, with a strong reliance on cognitive behavioral approaches and a commitment to integrating approaches that fit each person’s needs.

Susan aims to honor the effort it takes to reach out for help and to reduce isolation around life struggles. She maintains a focus on self-care in her own life and has tailored hours that have traditionally included midweek daytime availability and Saturday appointments; those seeking evening work are advised to consider therapists whose schedules include later hours.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Susan draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered principles to structure online work in a way that is practical and person-focused. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people recognize and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through clear strategies and exercises, and it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration so the therapist and client build on the client’s strengths and values to set goals and make changes. Solution-focused therapy can also be used to identify immediate goals and devise small, achievable steps that move a person toward the outcomes they want.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Susan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress is made.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people managing busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, health concerns, or geographic distance. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to practice skills between sessions, while allowing therapists and licensed professionals to tailor pacing and communication to each person’s situation.