PuttingFamilyFirst

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SZ Portrait of Susan Zapatha
Online therapist

Susan Zapatha

Practical support for relationship and family life

Credentials
LMHC
Experience
28 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Susan

Susan Zapatha is a licensed mental health counselor who focuses on relationship and family concerns. She helps people facing trauma, grief, parenting challenges, stress, anxiety, and issues like addiction or low self-esteem. Susan speaks plainly and creates a calm space for honest conversation when emotions feel overwhelming.

She keeps sessions direct and practical. Conversations aim to identify what feels stuck and try small changes that can make daily life steadier.

Background and approach

She uses talk, reflection, and structured tools to help people practice new ways of responding to old patterns. With 28 years of experience as an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Susan draws on several well-known approaches. She blends attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, and cognitive behavioral techniques to shape the work.

This mix helps address how relationships, habits, and thoughts interact in real life. Susan has particular familiarity with topics such as adoption and foster care, attachment concerns, blended family issues, caregiver stress, and challenges that come with chronic illness or disability. She also supports people dealing with anger, sleep problems, ADHD, and complex mood concerns like bipolar disorder.

People who choose Susan can expect straightforward guidance, regular check-ins on goals, and help deciding practical next steps. She welcomes international clients and offers sessions in English from her Florida practice.

How therapeutic approaches translate online

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationships shape how people respond in close connections. Online sessions can help identify patterns and practice different ways of relating with partners and family members. Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and reflecting what the client shares. In an online visit this looks like a calm, accepting space where the therapist follows the client's concerns and priorities.

Susan will work with each person to find the right mix of methods. Together they review goals, try approaches, and adjust as issues evolve. Choosing how to proceed is a collaborative process that can change over time as needs and preferences emerge.

The online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules and to maintain regular contact when in-person meetings are difficult. Many people find that the variety of formats helps them stay consistent with their work and try different ways of talking through relationship and parenting challenges.

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.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Susan address?
She works with relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, stress, anxiety, addiction, and a range of related issues listed in her profile.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Susan combines warm, client-centered listening with practical steps. She aims for clear, doable changes rather than lengthy theory discussions.
What experience does she bring?
She has 28 years of professional experience as a licensed mental health counselor and has worked across many family and relationship issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMHC - Florida LMHC MH7032 and is located in Florida.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Susan

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