PuttingFamilyFirst

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SB Portrait of Suzanne Boak
Online therapist

Suzanne Boak

Family-focused therapist who listens and guides

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Credentials
LMSW
Experience
32 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Suzanne

Suzanne Boak is an LMSW who helps people facing relationship and family challenges. She supports parents and caregivers working through grief, stress, anxiety, and communication problems. Suzanne also addresses issues such as intimacy, anger, self-esteem, and coping with major life changes.

She uses a straightforward, compassionate style. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings. Suzanne listens closely and helps clients name patterns and choose small changes that can make daily life easier.

Background and approach

Her work draws on methods like client-centered therapy and EMDR when trauma is involved. She also uses the Gottman Method for relationship skills and solution-focused techniques to set clear goals. Motivational interviewing helps people move from thinking about change to taking action.

Suzanne has practiced for 32 years in Michigan and has experience working with caregivers and people managing chronic illness and pain. She brings long experience supporting those dealing with family of origin issues, blended family concerns, divorce and separation, and fatherhood issues. Appointments emphasize collaboration and respect for each person’s pace.

Conversations are aimed at concrete tools for handling stress, communication problems, and compassion fatigue. The goal is clearer choices and better day-to-day functioning.

Approaches and online support for family and relationship work

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s needs and choices at the center of each session. The therapist listens without judgment, reflects what she hears, and helps clients clarify their values and goals; this approach is useful for improving self-esteem and communication. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a trauma-focused method that can help reduce the intensity of painful memories and reactions when trauma or abuse is part of the picture.

Suzanne aims to find the best approach together with each person. She will discuss different methods and recommend what fits your goals and comfort level. That collaborative process helps set clear steps and realistic goals for change.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. These options let people arrange sessions around caregiving, work, and daily life. Remote formats also allow follow-up and brief check-ins in between longer appointments, which can help keep progress on track.

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.

EMDR

A structured protocol used with distressing memories, pairing recall with guided attention tasks. Some therapists adapt it for video sessions; whether that fits is worth asking about directly.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Suzanne address?
She supports people with relationship and family concerns, parenting and caregiver stress, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, and coping with life changes.
How would she describe her therapy style?
Her style is compassionate and practical. Sessions focus on listening, naming patterns, and trying small, concrete steps between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She has 32 years of clinical experience and has worked extensively with caregivers and people managing chronic health challenges and family problems.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an LMSW and practices in Michigan. License details include MI LMSW 6801064436.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Suzanne?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

  • Relationship issues
  • Family conflicts
  • Grief

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
32 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Suzanne

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  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
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