Suzanne Shumaker , LCSW

Suzanne Shumaker is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with three years of clinical experience helping people navigate emotional challenges and life transitions. As an LCSW she is trained to provide psychotherapy and social work support, guiding individuals through issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, and shifts in self-esteem.

Suzanne emphasizes self-compassion and exploration of life purpose as central elements of healing. She works with clients to address guilt, shame, and barriers to self-love while offering practical strategies for coping with change and building resilience. Her practice also attends to grief, communication difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and the search for meaning during difficult periods.

Using evidence-based methods, Suzanne collaborates with clients to create tailored plans that reflect each person’s values and goals. She aims to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where individuals can process painful experiences, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with personal strengths. Her approach seeks sustainable growth and improved emotional well-being over time.

Approaches that guide online care and healing

Suzanne draws from Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, empathetic space that honors each person’s perspective - this approach helps people feel heard and fosters self-exploration and self-compassion. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful for coping with intense emotions and relationship challenges.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative work Suzanne does with clients. She discusses goals, preferences, and needs to tailor methods that fit each individual, and may blend techniques to create a personalized plan. This partnership helps ensure the approach feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy with Suzanne can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to engage in consistent care from home or other convenient locations while working toward emotional well-being with licensed professionals and therapists guiding the process.