Susan Shaw, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Susan!

Good to meet you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I teach my clients practical methods to live skillfully and effectively, to access their authentic self, and to find guidance from their highest wisdom. You already know the answers. Together, we can find them.

My focus

I work with depression, anxiety, overwhelm, panic attacks, OCD, BPD, chronic pain, living with chronic medical conditions and early childhood trauma.

My approach

I draw on DBT, CBT, IFS, guided imagery, and a strong understanding of childhood trauma. Together, we can build practical skills to manage emotions and solve problems, then to gently explore and reprocess trauma at its roots. My clients develop self-compassion, healthier relationships, and the ability to follow their highest wisdom.

My communication style

My clients say I am easy to talk to, warm and understanding. If you are in a place of confusion, overwhelm or desperation, I will meet you there.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a child with type 1 diabetes and a suicide plan, I was told I was my family’s “problem.” I turned to books, then therapy, for answers. I learned that nothing was wrong with me that kindness and encouragement could not have helped. I became the therapist I needed—one who celebrates strengths and guides clients toward their highest wisdom.

My goals for you

I ask clients what change they would like to see and then map out the steps to get them there. If clients have trouble setting goals, I will assist in setting preliminary goals and then we’ll refine them together.

Our first session

A first session helps me begin to develop the detailed understanding that I need of your situation and how you experience your symptoms. As we move forward, we will develop a way of working together that uniquely fits you.

I identify as...

Female
Buddhist, Christian, Spiritual

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Dialectical (DBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 6 more

Focus populations

Immune-Disorders

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 57 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Northridge.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Susan Shaw