Mary-Suzanne Bante, LPC

Mary-Suzanne Bante is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with 30 years of experience helping people navigate complex emotional challenges. She focuses on areas such as self-esteem, depression, coaching, compassion fatigue, and life transitions, guiding clients through shifts in identity, relationships, work, and health with practical support and emotional attunement.

Her work addresses a broad range of concerns including body image, attachment and abandonment issues, adoption and foster care experiences, communication problems, control struggles, and feelings of emptiness or isolation. She also supports those facing chronic illness, cancer, caregiver stress, chronic pain, and the emotional impact of workplace dynamics. Mary-Suzanne brings particular experience with women's issues, young adult challenges, couples matters, and the interpersonal effects of guilt, shame, jealousy, and forgiveness.

Mary-Suzanne practices in a warm, collaborative style designed to help clients build self-understanding, resilience, and a clearer sense of life purpose. She offers flexible scheduling including weekend and late-night appointments upon request and provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for exploration and growth. Her background includes service on the Board of Directors for the Michigan AIDS Coalition, work with universities and nonprofit agencies, and volunteer involvement in the Girl Scout Movement at local, national, and international levels.

Therapeutic approaches suited to online care

Mary-Suzanne commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies for managing mood, anxiety, and everyday challenges. CBT is structured and goal-oriented, which can be effective for depression, self-esteem concerns, and coping with life changes.

She also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy to support greater present-moment awareness and stress reduction. Mindfulness techniques help people respond more calmly to difficult emotions and can be useful for compassion fatigue, chronic health challenges, and persistent worry.

Motivational Interviewing is another approach Mary-Suzanne employs when clients are seeking change but feel ambivalent. This collaborative method supports a person’s own motivations and strengths to move toward goals such as healthier habits, improved relationships, or clearer life direction.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Mary-Suzanne works collaboratively with each client to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity through transitions, and access support from home or other comfortable settings.