Susan O'Connell , LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Wisconsin with a long career focused on helping people navigate addiction, mood struggles, relationship challenges, and the stresses that accompany caregiving and chronic medical concerns. She began her work supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and has since broadened her practice to include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, compassion fatigue, and other life transitions.

Susan approaches each person with an effort to meet them where they are, helping them identify strengths and build practical plans for change. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the courage it takes to seek help and works to ensure people do not feel alone in their challenges. Over the years she has trained in multiple treatment models and remains committed to learning current methods. Her practice relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and she often incorporates education and between-session assignments to reinforce progress.

Susan also stresses the value of modeling healthy habits in her own life. She currently works primarily Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and notes that those needing evening appointments should seek a therapist with that availability.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship that lets clients set the pace and focus of sessions. It helps people explore feelings, strengthen self-awareness, and build confidence in making decisions about relationships, life purpose, and personal values.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, address stress, and support coping strategies for addictions and life changes.

Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented approach that concentrates on practical steps and small changes to reach specific outcomes. It is well suited to people seeking short-term, action-driven work around issues like parenting, career decisions, or immediate relationship concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Susan O'Connell works collaboratively with people to determine which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. She treats the selection of strategies as a team effort, adapting techniques as progress is made.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and those who live farther from office locations. These options make it easier to fit consistent support into daily life and allow therapists and clients to maintain momentum between appointments.