Susan O'Connell, LCSW

Susan O'Connell is a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of experience. She practices in Wisconsin and brings a long history of helping people through addiction, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Her work also covers grief, caregiver strain, and the kinds of life shifts that often come in midlife.

Susan begins by meeting people where they are. She focuses on finding strengths and building simple, practical plans for change. Sessions include education and short tasks to try between meetings so progress continues outside the room.

Her early work centered on addictions and family impact, and that background still shapes her approach today. Over the years she has broadened her experience to include trauma, intimacy concerns, ADHD, career questions, and financial stress. She also supports people facing serious medical issues and caregiving burdens.

Susan often uses cognitive behavioral tools to help people notice patterns and try different responses. She pairs that with client-centered listening and solution-focused conversation to set clear, achievable goals. The result is straightforward work aimed at daily life changes.

She values ongoing learning and keeps current with new ideas in the field. Her schedule is primarily Wednesday through Friday 9 to 5, and Saturday 8 to 2, so readers who need evenings should confirm options before booking.

Approaches used online and how they help

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's experience, helping them feel heard and supported while they decide on next steps. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and try concrete changes that can reduce anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviors. Solution-focused therapy emphasizes small, practical goals and quick steps to move toward a clearer, preferred future.

Choosing an approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit those priorities. If something isn’t working, adjustments are made together rather than sticking to one plan.

The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time so therapy can be scheduled between work or caregiving duties. Licensed professionals commonly use these benefits to help people keep momentum while managing life responsibilities.