Susan Van Wazer

Susan Van Wazer, LPC, offers calm, practical support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship strain. She writes plainly and listens closely to find what matters most to each person. Her style is steady and down-to-earth, so conversations focus on manageable next steps rather than abstract theory.

With 30 years of experience, she combines Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral approaches to help people notice patterns and make concrete changes. She also brings Trauma-Focused Therapy into sessions for those who carry the effects of past abuse or traumatic experiences. Sessions can address grief, parenting strain, codependency, midlife questions, career shifts, and many common life stresses.

Susan describes problems in everyday terms and helps people map how patterns developed over time. She uses practical cognitive tools to change unhelpful thinking and behavior, and she explores relational patterns that keep people stuck. Her background includes program development, supervising other therapists, and administrative leadership in mental health settings.

People often begin by talking about one urgent problem, then move toward clearer goals and steady routines. Her approach mixes listening with hands-on strategies so clients leave sessions with specific steps to try between meetings. She offers services from Missouri and accepts clients who live outside the United States.

If a cautious, experienced clinician who blends relational insight with practical skills feels like a good fit, Susan can be part of that process. To begin, use the Start Therapy button and complete the brief matching questionnaire to schedule according to availability.

How Susan’s approaches translate to online therapy

Susan commonly uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to address the lasting effects of past abuse, focusing on reducing symptoms and increasing day-to-day functioning. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a listening space where people can share challenges without judgment, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors that lead to practical changes.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the process. She works collaboratively with each person to pick methods that match their goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made. The first sessions often focus on assessing needs and trying a few techniques to see what feels useful.

The original biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm the available session types before booking. Many people find virtual sessions helpful because they can fit meetings into a busy day, reduce travel time, choose quieter surroundings, or use a shorter check-in when schedules are tight. Licensed professionals can bring the same conversational, skills-based work online that they offer in person, while tailoring pacing and exercises to what works in a remote setting.