Susan Merletti, LPCC

Susan Merletti is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California with 39 years of clinical experience supporting people through difficult transitions and persistent emotional challenges. She works with individuals facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, unresolved trauma, and the impacts of cancer and chronic illness, drawing on long practice to tailor care to each person’s circumstances.

She approaches therapy from the perspective that each person is the expert of their own story and brings strengths that can be mobilized in the healing process. Susan emphasizes collaborative work, helping clients recognize resources and develop practical strategies to manage symptoms and improve relationships.

Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and Susan honors the courage it takes to seek change. She offers steady, compassionate support as clients explore goals, process past and present concerns, and build skills for a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Susan Merletti draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to guide her remote work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, inviting clients to lead conversations about what matters most in their lives while the therapist offers acceptance and reflective listening. This approach is helpful for exploring identity, relationships, and personal values. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, offering practical strategies to reduce anxiety, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and manage symptoms of depression and stress. CBT is often used for mood concerns, anxiety, and coping with life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Susan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with Susan includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexible access to care. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and receive support from home or other convenient locations while working with a licensed professional.