Susan VanHuizen

Susan VanHuizen is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker practicing in Michigan with 20 years of clinical experience. She helps people managing stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She also focuses on concerns such as chronic illness and pain, aging and geriatric issues, codependency, and life purpose.

Susan uses straightforward, skills-based methods in sessions. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and build practical coping skills. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want to change habits related to substance use or other behaviors. Mindfulness techniques are offered to reduce reactivity and improve focus during stressful times.

Sessions tend to focus on small, manageable steps. Susan helps people set concrete goals, practice new behaviors between meetings, and track what works. When a relationship or family history is affecting mood, she looks at patterns and communication habits that maintain the problem. Financial stress, grief after separation, and feelings of emptiness are addressed with both problem-solving and emotion regulation techniques.

Her style is direct and practical. She encourages people to experiment with new ways of coping and to notice results. Over the course of work together, clients often learn to handle setbacks with clearer strategies and less self-blame.

For someone unsure what comes next, Susan offers focused support for exploring purpose and next steps. To confirm current session arrangements before booking, follow the site process to view online therapy options and schedule a first session.

How her approaches translate to online work

Susan commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in her practice. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to change how someone feels. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify their reasons for change and build commitment when they are unsure or ambivalent.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is tracked over time.

The therapist’s original profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find that online sessions fit into a busy week more easily, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Online meetings can make it simpler to schedule around work, medical appointments, or caregiving responsibilities while still using CBT, DBT skills practice, mindfulness, and motivational techniques in the session.