- anger management strategies
- cognitive behavioral methods
- mindfulness practice
About Susan
Susan Sparks is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with ten years of clinical experience. She works with adults and young people who are wrestling with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, anger, sleep and eating concerns, and changes in life circumstances. Sessions are conducted in English and based in Illinois.
Susan began her social work training at the University of Illinois, earning a Master of Social Work in 2011 and becoming an LCSW in 2013. Before that she spent decades volunteering and working in community settings with children and families. That background shaped a practical approach to common emotional struggles.
Her clinical work uses several evidence-based methods to address behavior, mood, and coping. Examples she draws on include cognitive behavioral approaches that look at how thoughts affect feelings and behavior, behavioral and play-based strategies to change patterns, and mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity. She describes these simply as tools to practice between sessions.
Susan frames therapy as a collaborative process. She helps people identify strengths and small steps they can try right away. For anger and frustration she focuses on concrete strategies to notice triggers, slow escalation, and handle the aftermath with clearer choices.
Sessions also address related problems such as trauma, parenting strain, career stress, ADHD, bipolar mood management, and compassion fatigue. Before scheduling, readers should confirm the current session formats Susan offers.
How therapeutic approaches and online sessions work together
Many of the methods Susan uses focus on changing what you do and think in everyday moments. Cognitive behavioral approaches look at the link between thoughts, emotions, and behavior and teach specific skills to test and change unhelpful thinking. Behavioral techniques and play-based strategies focus on practicing new responses and routines to reduce problem behaviors and manage mood.Mindfulness practices are offered as short, practical exercises to reduce reactivity and help people notice tension before it escalates. These kinds of practices are often paired with the other techniques so that skills can be used when anger or frustration starts to rise.
Finding the best approach is part of the work. Susan will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques fit their needs, goals, and day-to-day life. Together they identify simple steps to try between sessions and adjust the plan as progress is made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and use audio-only or video depending on what a client prefers and what the therapist offers. These practical choices help therapy become a workable part of ordinary life without requiring major scheduling changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
Susan works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, depression, anger, parenting concerns, sleep and eating problems, career strain, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and related life changes.
How does she approach therapy?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral strategies, behavioral and play-based methods, and mindfulness exercises to address thoughts, actions, and reactivity.
How much experience does she have?
She has ten years of clinical experience and has worked and volunteered in community settings for many years prior to her clinical practice.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.