Suzanne Boak , LMSW

Suzanne Boak is a licensed therapist with 32 years of clinical experience, practicing in Michigan and with additional work overseas. She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and has developed deep expertise supporting people through relationship challenges, family dynamics, grief, and personal growth. Her practice emphasizes practical emotional tools alongside compassionate listening to help clients improve self-esteem, strengthen communication, and navigate midlife transitions.

Suzanne works extensively with older adults, caregivers, and individuals managing chronic health concerns, offering steady guidance for those balancing care responsibilities and life changes. She brings particular skill to issues involving intimacy, trauma and abuse, parenting, blended family questions, and stress related to work or caregiving roles. Her clinical focus also includes anger, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and the complexities of family of origin patterns.

Grounded in a holistic, client-focused stance, Suzanne aims to empower people to rediscover purpose, reduce isolation, and build resilience. She creates a supportive environment for exploring emotions, processing past wounds, and developing strategies for healthier relationships and sustained emotional well-being.

Approach to Therapy Online and Evidence-Informed Methods

Suzanne uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where a person’s goals and values guide the work. This approach focuses on empathy, active listening, and helping individuals build self-awareness and self-compassion, which can be useful for issues like low self-esteem, life transitions, and caregiving stress.

She also integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for clients dealing with trauma and abuse. EMDR helps people process distressing memories so they can experience reduced emotional intensity and improved coping when facing triggers. Additionally, Suzanne draws on the Gottman Method for relationship and intimacy-related concerns, using practical skills to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen emotional connection between partners.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Suzanne works with each person to evaluate which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. Licensed professionals and therapists tailor techniques to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different lifestyles and energy levels. This range of options makes it easier to maintain consistent care, access support from home, and continue therapeutic work around busy schedules or caregiving responsibilities.