Susanne Loar , LCSW

Susanne Loar is a holistic practitioner who blends psychodynamic and somatic psychology with practical approaches to support people seeking greater confidence, fulfillment, and joy in daily life. She works collaboratively with each person to uncover inner strengths and to recognize how current symptoms may have once served a purpose, helping clients identify the lessons those experiences hold and use that insight to create meaningful change.

With extensive experience in addictive disorders, she brings practical knowledge of resources and strategies to help people reduce reliance on substances and problematic behaviors. She also supports family members and partners affected by a loved one’s addiction, exploring how those dynamics influence wellbeing. Susanne has worked in inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder facilities, public mental health agencies, hospital inpatient mental health units, and the neonatal intensive care unit.

Originally from Germany, Susanne has traveled and lived in multiple countries and values the diversity of life stories she encounters. She keeps current with research on interventions while honoring each person as an individual with a unique history. She listens deeply, aims to meet people where they are, and celebrates progress along the way. She supervises associate social workers and substance use specialists and holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Susanne commonly draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy, and she brings a client-centered stance to each session. ACT helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present - it is useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns, helping with relationship difficulties, codependency, and attachment issues by building safer ways of connecting. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist follows the client's pace and priorities to foster self-discovery and resilience.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. She collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. Licensed professionals and therapists often blend approaches to match what matters most to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video or phone allow live conversation when in-person attendance is difficult, while live chat and text messaging provide options for shorter check-ins or ongoing support between sessions. These formats make it easier to access care from home, balance therapy with work and family demands, and maintain continuity of treatment despite changing schedules.