Susan Blanchard , LCPC, LPC

Susan Blanchard is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois who brings four years of clinical experience to her work with adults facing a wide range of life challenges. She holds LCPC and LPC credentials - LCPC stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor - and is licensed to practice in Illinois and Wisconsin. Susan draws on evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor care to each person's needs.

She specializes in supporting people through issues including LGBT concerns, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and stress, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related challenges, parenting struggles, ADHD, and self-esteem and career questions. Additional areas of focus include non-monogamous relationship dynamics, blended family issues, caregiver stress, and topics related to gender dysphoria and alternative sexual cultures.

Susan approaches therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, adapting conversations and treatment plans to reflect each client's goals and circumstances. She emphasizes collaboration and practical skills while honoring the courage it takes to seek change, offering steady support intended to empower clients as they pursue a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Susan uses a blend of approaches that can be adapted to an online setting to meet practical needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems by teaching concrete skills and strategies. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness - it can be helpful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping with self-harm urges. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on identifying goals and building on strengths and past successes to create practical change in the near term.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Susan works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts techniques over time as progress and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions take place - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to access licensed professionals when in-person options are limited. These formats support continuity of care and allow therapists and clients to focus on practical tools and meaningful progress.