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SH Portrait of Susan Hoffstetter
Online therapist

Susan Hoffstetter

Calm, practical help for everyday challenges

Credentials
LCPC
Experience
16 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Susan

Susan Hoffstetter is a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Illinois. She brings 16 years of clinical experience to conversations about stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, anger, self-esteem, and related concerns. She starts by listening and treating each person as the expert on their own life.

That first step to reach out is acknowledged as a meaningful move toward change. In sessions she focuses on building on a client’s existing strengths.

Background and approach

She helps people identify manageable steps to reduce symptoms and improve daily coping. Practical tools and clear feedback are used so progress can be noticed between sessions. Her background includes work across a range of mood and trauma-related issues, along with obsessive-compulsive tendencies and challenges such as trichotillomania.

She has experience addressing the emotional effects of natural and human-caused disasters and supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Susan holds the LCPC credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her practice is based in Illinois and she conducts work in English.

Therapy sessions are offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging so people can choose what fits their schedule and comfort level.

Evidence-based approaches and online care

Many evidence-based techniques aim to reduce distress by teaching clear skills that can be practiced between sessions. One common approach focuses on helping people identify unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real-life evidence to reduce anxiety and low mood. This method is useful for stress, anxiety, and depression because it targets patterns that keep symptoms active.

Another frequently used approach emphasizes gradual exposure to feared or avoided situations and learning new responses. It helps people with obsessions and compulsions, trichotillomania, and trauma-related avoidance by breaking tasks into small, manageable steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and tailor methods based on a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Decisions about techniques happen collaboratively and can change as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy families and individuals. Video calls and phone sessions allow real-time conversation, while live chat and text-based messaging provide more flexible ways to check in and use tools between meetings. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life and to continue work from home or on the go.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
Susan works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, anger, self-esteem, and related issues. She also focuses on obsessions and compulsions, trichotillomania, sexual assault and abuse, and coping with disasters.
What is her therapeutic style?
She listens first and helps clients build on their strengths. The approach is practical, using tools and steps clients can try between sessions.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with a range of mood and trauma-related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds an LCPC credential. The license is IL LCPC 180.006754 and she practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different schedules and preferences.
How do I get started with therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Also works with

Experience
16 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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