Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Depression
How Susan works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Years in practice
- 10
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Susan
Susan Sparks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with ten years of clinical experience. She focuses on practical help for people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and other everyday struggles. Her style is straightforward and caring, aimed at helping clients take steps that fit their lives.
Susan draws on a variety of evidence-informed techniques to match each person’s needs. She uses cognitive behavioral approaches to untangle unhelpful thinking and behavioral strategies to change routines that get in the way.
Background and approach
Play-based methods and applied behavioral techniques are used when they suit younger clients or anyone who benefits from more active, hands-on work. Her background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois and a state license as an LCSW. Before clinical practice she spent decades volunteering and working in community settings, which shaped her focus on practical, community-minded care.
Sessions emphasize small, manageable goals and skills you can use between meetings. She helps people work through parenting challenges, sleep and eating concerns, relationship strain, and coping with life changes. Anger management and rebuilding self-esteem are common topics in her work.
Susan aims to help clients recognize strengths and build routines that support everyday functioning. She works collaboratively to create plans that fit each person’s schedule and priorities. Her approach is flexible and grounded in approaches that have been studied and used in clinical settings.
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 options
Susan commonly uses cognitive behavioral methods to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. This approach is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and stress because it breaks problems into clear steps that can be practiced between sessions.She also draws on behavioral and applied behavioral techniques that focus on changing routines and reinforcing helpful actions. These methods work well for sleep and eating concerns, parenting strategies, and habit changes. For younger clients or those who benefit from a more interactive style, play-based techniques help express feelings and try new behaviors in a low-pressure way.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss your goals and preferences, try techniques that fit your needs, and adjust the plan as you progress. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so work stays practical and goal-focused.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for face-to-face interaction and teaching skills in real time. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits a work break. Live chat and text messaging support quick check-ins, written practice, and ongoing coaching between sessions. These formats make scheduling easier and let people keep momentum even with busy lives.
Questions people ask about Susan
What concerns does Susan commonly address?
Susan helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related issues, anger, self-esteem, parenting challenges, sleeping and eating problems, career questions, bipolar concerns, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, goal-oriented style that focuses on skills and small steps. Sessions often combine talk with hands-on strategies so clients can try changes between meetings.
How long has she practiced clinically?
Susan has ten years of clinical experience and earlier community work and volunteering that extend her background in mental health support.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication preferences.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.