Susan O'Connell, LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin. She began her career focused on addictions, working directly with people experiencing substance use problems as well as their families. Over time her practice expanded to include treatment for depression, stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and loss, chronic medical issues, and the stresses faced by caregivers and those with compassion fatigue.

Susan meets each person where they are and helps them identify strengths and practical steps to create the changes they want. She recognizes how much it takes to reach out for help and seeks to make people feel supported rather than judged or alone in their struggles. Her clinical training spans many approaches and she makes a point of staying current with new methods. She currently relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and she often includes education and short assignments between sessions to reinforce progress.

Susan also emphasizes modeling healthy habits in her own life. She maintains a regular schedule of availability - primarily Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 and Saturdays from 8:00 to 2:00 - and asks that anyone needing evening appointments seek a therapist with that availability. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, reflecting her professional credential in clinical social work.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client's lead and helps them access their own resources and strengths. This approach can be helpful for concerns about relationships, self esteem, and navigating life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a structured method that explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. It uses practical strategies and skill-building to address anxiety, depression, stress, and many problem areas by changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on goals and small, achievable steps toward change rather than dwelling on problems. It can be especially useful when someone wants focused help with specific issues like coping strategies, decision making, or improving communication.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Susan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, connect from home or elsewhere in Wisconsin, and maintain continuity of care when schedules or circumstances change. Licensed professionals can deliver effective support through these modalities, helping clients move toward meaningful change without unnecessary barriers.