About Susan
Susan Hoffstetter is an Illinois-licensed LCPC with 16 years of clinical experience who works with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, mood disorders such as bipolar and depression, and the effects of trauma and abuse.
Background and approach
She centers clients' own expertise and strengths as the foundation for change, acknowledging the courage it takes to reach out for support and guiding each person through the early steps of care.
Her practice also addresses relationship and family tensions, grief and anger, self-esteem struggles, and less commonly treated concerns including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, trichotillomania, sexual assault and abuse, and coping after natural or human-caused disasters. Sessions aim to build on clients' existing resources while helping them develop practical skills and strategies to manage symptoms and navigate difficult life events.
Susan describes therapy as a collaborative journey where the client’s goals shape the work. She offers multiple formats for connecting, and structures care in a way that adapts to each person’s needs and availability in Illinois.
Evidence-Based Techniques and Flexible Online Care
Susan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the presenting concern. One common approach focuses on building coping skills and emotional regulation to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood instability; this involves practical strategies for managing distress and improving day-to-day functioning. Another frequently used technique targets trauma-related symptoms and recovery by helping clients process difficult experiences in a paced, supportive way while developing safety and resilience skills.
Choosing the right therapeutic method is part of the collaborative process. The therapist works together with each client to identify goals, try approaches that match those goals, and adjust methods over time so care remains responsive to changing needs and preferences.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to attend sessions around work and family commitments or when travel is difficult. These formats support continuity of care, allow for ongoing skill practice between sessions, and make it possible to maintain regular contact with a licensed professional regardless of local travel constraints.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Trichotillomania
- Experience
- 16 years
- Licensed
- Illinois
- Languages
- English