- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Mindfulness practice
About Susan
Susan VanHuizen is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan with 20 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, depression, and adjusting to major life changes. Susan also focuses on issues such as aging, chronic illness and pain, codependency, and life purpose.
Susan uses practical, skills-based approaches to help people manage symptoms and make concrete changes. She often draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and DBT strategies to build emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing are included when they fit a person’s goals.
In sessions she talks through current problems, helps set achievable goals, and practices simple coping skills together. That can mean learning new ways to respond to cravings, rehearsing boundaries when family dynamics are difficult, or breaking tasks into manageable steps after a life transition.
Her background includes long-term work with people facing addiction and chronic health concerns, and many years helping those who feel stuck after divorce or caregiving changes. Susan’s work also addresses guilt, shame, isolation, and financial stress in plain, practical ways.
People who are unsure what comes next often find the focus here is on small, usable changes. The approach emphasizes clear skills, steady support, and planning for daily life rather than abstract promises.
How CBT, DBT and Mindfulness are used in online sessions
CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by breaking problems into smaller, manageable steps and practicing new thinking patterns.DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, teaches specific skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can help when emotions feel overwhelming, when there are patterns of impulsive behavior, or when relationships are repeatedly strained.
Mindfulness therapy involves simple attention and breathing practices to reduce rumination and increase present-moment awareness. These techniques can support coping with chronic pain, stress, and cravings.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which combination of CBT, DBT, mindfulness, or motivational interviewing fits their goals and needs. That decision is revisited as progress and challenges appear.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm the available options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Discuss scheduling preferences and practical needs during the matching questionnaire and first appointment to make sessions easier to use.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she focus on?
Susan works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also addresses aging, chronic illness, codependency, family-of-origin issues, and life purpose.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and skills-based, using clear techniques to manage emotions and behavior. Sessions emphasize concrete steps and coping strategies rather than abstract discussion.
How much experience does she have?
She has 20 years of clinical experience working with people facing addiction, chronic health concerns, and major life transitions.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know what is offered.
How are costs structured?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the selected plan and regional fees.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.