Susan Lipkin, LISW

Susan Lipkin, LISW, helps people navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, and major life changes. She writes simply and listens closely to what each person says they need. Her approach centers on the individual rather than fitting someone into a single method. Susan aims to create a calm space where people can be heard and begin to sort out next steps.

Susan has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1988 and became independently licensed in 1999. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and has 36 years of experience in a range of settings. Her background includes work in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, veterans' services, and seven years in private practice.

She has worked extensively with people who survived sexual and physical abuse and with those facing varied traumatic experiences, including military-related trauma. Susan has supported many women coping with domestic violence and stress at different life stages, and she has a special interest in infertility and the emotional strain it can cause.

Susan uses a client-centered stance, listening first and following the person’s lead. She also integrates other approaches, adjusting methods to fit a person’s needs rather than sticking to one formula. When appropriate, she draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to challenge unhelpful thinking and build practical skills.

Over her career she has helped people with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and caregiving or aging concerns. She emphasizes warmth, acceptance, and nonjudgment as she supports people working toward clearer choices and more manageable day-to-day life.

Approaches you can use in online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. The therapist helps people name their concerns and decide what to try next, rather than imposing a fixed plan. This approach works well when someone needs acceptance and a space to sort out priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. It helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practice small, concrete changes that reduce anxiety or lift mood. CBT is often used for depression, anxiety, and coping with life changes.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention skills to reduce reactivity and increase calm. Practices might include brief breathing or grounding exercises aimed at helping people tolerate stress and focus on the present moment.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, what has helped or not helped before, and which methods feel most practical. That collaborative process helps pick strategies that fit the person's needs and preferences.

Session options are not listed in the original profile, so confirm which formats are offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example, sessions can save travel time, allow shorter check-ins during work breaks, or avoid needing to be on camera when someone prefers audio only. Licensed professionals can use these flexible arrangements to help people stay consistent with care.