Susan Ryder , LCPC

Susan Ryder is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in Maine with 17 years of professional experience. She specializes in helping people manage stress and anxiety, increase motivation, build self-esteem and confidence, address depression, and navigate life changes. Her approach centers on the belief that each person is the expert of their own story and that existing strengths can be leveraged to address current challenges.

Susan encourages a collaborative process in which clients' perspectives and goals guide the work together. She recognizes that taking the first step toward therapy takes courage and honors the decision to begin. Her practice focuses on practical support and compassionate collaboration to help individuals move forward through difficult transitions and emotional struggles.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Susan Ryder

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the client's perspective and creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. It helps people explore their values, clarify goals, and build confidence in their own decisions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured approach that examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people resolve ambivalence and find internal motivation for change, which can be especially useful for issues related to addiction or major life shifts.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Susan works together with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies as progress unfolds. This collaborative planning helps ensure the work feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, support consistent follow-up between sessions, and allow people to engage in therapy from locations that are convenient for them. Licensed professionals and therapists can effectively use these modalities to deliver thoughtful, goal-focused care.