Susan Bowes

Susan Bowes is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 15 years of professional experience. She focuses on life purpose, LGBT concerns, grief, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also helps people dealing with compassion fatigue and the practical strains that come with chronic illness or disability.

Susan’s sessions are straightforward and conversational. She listens to what feels stuck and helps people name the next practical steps. Conversations cover feelings, behaviors, and everyday routines that get in the way of forward movement. She pays attention to shame, guilt, control issues, and the specific challenges that come with sexual identity and relationships to self.

Her approach aims to make talks useful rather than abstract. Clients can expect concrete reflections, questions that clarify priorities, and suggestions for small experiments to try between sessions. Work often includes problem-solving around managing energy, motivation, and the fallout from loss.

Susan also supports people facing chronic pain, illness, or disability by focusing on coping strategies and realistic pacing. She addresses forgiveness and self-love as practical concerns that affect daily choices. Sessions look at how past losses influence present decisions about purpose and direction.

To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The subscription used for sessions can be canceled at any time. Confirm current session options before booking so the format fits each person’s circumstances.

How evidence-based approaches guide online sessions

Two commonly used evidence-based approaches involve straightforward, practical techniques. One focused approach uses goal-oriented problem solving to identify specific obstacles and test small changes; it helps with motivation, life decisions, and managing everyday tasks. Another approach concentrates on processing grief and loss through structured conversation and paced reflection, which helps people make sense of what they have lost and how it affects current choices.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit. That collaborative process can include adjusting techniques over time based on what does or does not help in real life.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They can also allow people to join from different locations within the same state. These practical advantages help people keep continuity of care while they sort out next steps.