Susan MacDonald , LMHC

Susan MacDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Rhode Island with 14 years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress and anxiety, manage depression, strengthen relationships, and build greater self-esteem and confidence. Drawing on clinical approaches such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she tailors care to each person's needs and priorities.

She cultivates an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where thoughts and feelings can be shared and examined. Seeking change requires courage, and Susan aims to support and empower clients as they take steps toward a more fulfilling life. Her work emphasizes practical skills and collaborative goal-setting so clients can make measurable progress in day-to-day living.

Whether someone is coping with life transitions, relationship challenges, or persistent mood concerns, Susan offers steady guidance and a goal-oriented process in which clients are heard, respected, and supported toward meaningful change.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Susan often incorporates Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration so clients feel heard and can explore their own goals and values. This approach is helpful for people seeking understanding, emotional support, and clearer direction in relationships or life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT provides practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching skills that can be practiced between sessions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. It can be especially useful for clients facing intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or patterns of self-criticism.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Susan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She helps clients try techniques and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Susan is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals while balancing work, family, and other commitments.