PuttingFamilyFirst

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SF Portrait of Dr. Susan (Sue) Futeral
Online therapist

Dr. Susan (Sue) Futeral

Calm, experienced guidance for tough life challenges

Book with Susan
Credentials
MD, LCSW-C
Experience
33 years
Licensed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Susan

Dr. Susan (Sue) Futeral brings 33 years of clinical experience to her work. She is both an MD and a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, credentials that inform a practical, grounded approach to care.

She creates a straightforward space where people can talk about stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, eating concerns, and other challenges without feeling judged. Sue emphasizes clear communication and practical steps. Sessions focus on understanding what is happening now and what can change.

Background and approach

She listens for patterns and helps clients try real tools that can make daily life easier. Many people come to her worried about mood, sleep, parenting, or substance and behavioral compulsions. Her background blends medical training and social work practice, which she uses to look at both emotional and life-context factors.

She draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy to help people shift unhelpful thoughts and strengthen important connections. Hypnotherapy and mindfulness techniques are also part of her toolbox when they fit a client’s goals. Sue aims for a collaborative relationship.

She works with each person to set clear, manageable goals and checks progress along the way. The tone in sessions is direct, respectful, and encouraging. For people in Maryland seeking practical strategies for stress, relationships, grief, or changes in life, Sue offers experienced guidance and a steady presence.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how relationships shape feelings and behaviors. Online sessions using this approach help people identify patterns in close relationships and try new ways of connecting that feel safer and more supportive. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and gives concrete steps to change unhelpful thinking and behavior; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and many stress-related problems.

Choosing the right approach is something she does together with each person. She listens to your concerns, discusses what has worked before, and suggests methods that match your goals and comfort level. That collaborative process can include trying different techniques over time until something fits.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules and for people who prefer remote options. Video calls let you work face-to-face from home, while phone sessions provide a simpler option without video. Live chat and text-based messaging can be used for shorter check-ins or when real-time typing feels easier. These formats make it possible to keep therapy consistent around work, family, and other commitments.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she help with?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, eating issues, addictions, grief, parenting, and relationship difficulties.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her approach is practical and collaborative, focusing on clear goals, direct conversation, and tools you can use between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 33 years of professional experience combining medical training and social work practice.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an MD and is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW-C 04787, and she practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
33 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

Next step

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