- Client-centered focus
- Skills-based methods
- Self-compassion work
About Suzanne
Suzanne Shumaker is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. She focuses on helping people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, or struggles with addictions. Suzanne draws on short-term, practical tools and steady support to help clients move forward.
She aims to build a kind, non-judgmental space where people can talk about guilt, shame, and painful past experiences. Suzanne encourages self-compassion and helps clients reconnect with what matters to them. She also assists people who are trying to find purpose after major life changes.
Her work blends Client-Centered Therapy with skills-based methods. That combination lets clients lead the conversation while learning concrete ways to manage strong emotions. Sessions often include skill practice for coping, communication, and self-care.
Suzanne pays particular attention to addiction recovery, grief and bereavement, and rebuilding self-esteem. She supports people working through post-traumatic stress and relationship communication problems. The goal is to help clients develop steady coping strategies they can use outside of sessions.
With three years of clinical experience, Suzanne takes a collaborative stance. She and the client set practical goals and track small, achievable steps. People looking for gentle guidance and hands-on tools may find this approach useful.
How these approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy places the client at the center of sessions, with the therapist listening closely and following the client's lead to identify what matters most. This approach helps people feel heard and encourages self-compassion and clarity about life purpose.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches practical exercises to reduce anxiety and depression and to change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills that can be practiced between sessions to manage intense emotions.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the therapeutic work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose which approaches match their goals, needs, and preferences. This is an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time decision.
The original biography did not specify which session formats are used, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten commute time, and keep check-ins regular. It also allows a focus on skills practice and real-world problem solving that the client can apply between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Suzanne help with?
She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and low self-esteem. She also focuses on life changes, communication problems, guilt and shame, and post-traumatic stress.
How would you describe her therapy style?
The approach is client-centered and collaborative, combining empathetic listening with practical skills from CBT and DBT. Sessions are meant to be supportive while teaching tools for everyday life.
What is her professional background?
She has three years of clinical experience working as a therapist and uses evidence-informed methods to guide treatment planning and skill building.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, practicing in California.
Does she provide services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided via a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Suzanne?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.