Susan Gallenz , LCSW

Susan Gallenz is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and anger. She brings 15 years of experience as an LCSW and listens for each person’s strengths before suggesting ways forward. Her approach is respectful and down-to-earth, aimed at practical steps that fit everyday life.

Susan earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and previously volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps in Jamaica. That combination of formal training and community experience shaped her interest in working with LGBTQ concerns and women's issues. She values treating each person as the expert of their own story.

Sessions typically center on identifying what’s getting in the way now and testing small, manageable changes. Susan helps people reduce panic attacks, manage mood swings, and handle workplace stress. She also supports those dealing with loss, shame, isolation, and challenges in communication.

Her style is collaborative. She offers guidance and tools while respecting individual goals and pace. The goal is steady progress rather than quick fixes, so people can build routines that last.

People who prefer clear suggestions and practical strategies often find her approach useful. She encourages realistic steps, regular check-ins, and attention to everyday coping. Starting therapy can feel hard, and she aims to make the process straightforward and encouraging.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online care

Many therapists use evidence-based techniques that teach practical skills people can use right away. For example, cognitive strategies focus on noticing and changing unhelpful thinking patterns to reduce anxiety and low mood. Those techniques work well for panic attacks, social anxiety, and persistent worry.

Another common approach emphasizes trauma-informed care that helps people process difficult events safely and build coping skills. This can help with post-traumatic stress, anger, and overwhelming memories by pacing the work and teaching grounding exercises.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. That choice is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when a fuller interaction is helpful. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier when being on camera is not preferred. Live chat and text messaging let people check in or work through shorter issues between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and different daily routines.