Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
How Susan works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCPC
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Years in practice
- 16
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Susan
Susan Hoffstetter is a licensed clinical professional counselor with 16 years of experience who helps people facing strong emotions and difficult life events. She works with individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, anger, and mood changes. She meets clients where they are and focuses on practical steps they can use right away.
Her approach begins by listening to each person's story and recognizing the strengths they already have. She encourages small, doable changes that build confidence and reduce overwhelm.
Background and approach
Sessions are straightforward and focused on real-life problems rather than jargon. Over her career she has supported people coping with trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and obsessive or compulsive behaviors. She also helps those managing bipolar disorder and recovering from trichotillomania.
Her work includes addressing relationship strain and family-related stress through individual sessions. Susan draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to shape sessions that fit each person. She explains options clearly and helps clients choose approaches that suit their goals.
The pace and focus are set collaboratively so progress feels manageable. Clients can expect respectful, goal-oriented sessions that emphasize coping skills and relapse prevention when relevant. She values the courage it takes to start therapy and aims to make the process understandable and useful from the first meeting.
What Susan works with
Everything Susan lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Susan's practice.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Susan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on skills and problem solving. One common approach she uses teaches coping skills for anxiety and stress, such as breathing strategies, gradual exposure to feared situations, and activity scheduling to reduce avoidance. These methods help people manage daily symptoms and regain routine.Another approach centers on relapse prevention and strategies for managing addictive behaviors. That work involves identifying triggers, building alternative responses, and creating step-by-step plans to handle setbacks. It is practical work aimed at reducing urges and strengthening healthier habits.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She listens to your goals and preferences, explains options in plain language, and adjusts methods as progress unfolds. Together you decide what feels most useful and change the plan if needed.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls work well for in-depth conversations and reading nonverbal cues. Phone sessions are helpful when internet bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging let people send updates or get brief support between longer meetings. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and maintain continuity of care.
Questions people ask about Susan
What concerns does she address?
Susan works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, anger, grief, relationship strain, self-esteem issues, and related concerns.
What is her general style in sessions?
She uses a practical, listening-first approach that emphasizes clear steps and coping skills. Sessions focus on problems you bring and on building strengths you already have.
How much experience does this clinician have?
She has 16 years of professional work experience providing mental health support in a variety of settings.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an IL LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time and works with clients located in Illinois.
What formats are available for meetings?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication preferences.
How are sessions paid for and how do I start?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.