- Family and parenting help
- Child and adolescent support
- Evidence-based techniques
About Susan
Susan Sparks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who helps people dealing with stress, parenting challenges, grief, mood changes, and relationship strain. She speaks plainly and aims to make therapy feel practical and achievable for worried parents and caregivers.
Susan earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and became an LCSW in 2013. She has a decade of direct clinical experience and more than 35 years of community involvement that shaped her interest in mental health.
Her work includes supporting children, young adults, individuals, and families. She uses research-based techniques to address anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, behavioral concerns, sleeping and eating issues, attention challenges, and self-esteem difficulties. Sessions focus on small, concrete steps a person can try between meetings.
Susan often combines cognitive approaches with behavioral strategies, play-based methods for younger clients, and mindfulness and holistic practices when helpful. She emphasizes strengths people already have and builds on them so coping feels more manageable over time.
People who choose Susan can expect a straightforward, compassionate approach. She aims to help clients set realistic goals, try practical tools, and track progress. To begin, readers are invited to complete the site questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online care
Many of the methods Susan uses are practical and adaptable to remote sessions. Cognitive approaches focus on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors; they help with anxiety, depression, and many parenting struggles. Behavioral strategies concentrate on changing routines and responses, which can be useful for sleep, eating, attention, and anger concerns. Play-based techniques bring age-appropriate activities into sessions for children to express feelings and practice skills.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person or parent to pick techniques that match their goals and daily life. Goals are reviewed and adjusted as progress is made so the plan stays useful and realistic.
If you want online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online care can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins during a work break, or reduce travel time. It can also let a parent include a child in a session more easily when that helps the plan. Licensed professionals can explain the best practical setup during the initial scheduling step.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
Susan works with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting struggles, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, intimacy-related issues, career stress, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and down-to-earth, focusing on research-based techniques and small actionable steps. Sessions often mix cognitive and behavioral strategies with mindfulness and other holistic practices when they suit the client's needs.
What is her professional background?
She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and has about 10 years of clinical experience alongside decades of community work supporting children and families.
What credential and location information is available?
Susan holds the LCSW credential and practices in Illinois. The profile lists her credential as LCSW and location as Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling based on the therapist's availability.