Sue (Susie) Swartz

Compassionate, practical therapy for change

LMFT California

Experience: 10 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Sue

Sue (Susie) Swartz is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California who supports people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, life transitions, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family challenges, and parenting issues.

Background and approach

She draws on a client-centered stance to help clients identify their strengths and clarify meaningful goals, pairing that orientation with evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Her work also addresses a wide range of related concerns including abandonment, attachment issues, adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, codependency, and communication problems. With 10 years of clinical experience, she brings practical knowledge from years supporting people through crisis and complex life circumstances.

She emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change and helps clients explore patterns of thought and behavior that interfere with living a fuller life. Sue aims to collaborate with each person to build coping skills, reduce distress, and create a sustainable path forward that reflects their values and priorities.

Practical approaches for online work and emotional growth

CBT focuses on identifying and testing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, then building concrete skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and problematic patterns. It is often used to develop coping strategies and to break cycles that maintain distress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and practice acceptance of difficult feelings while taking committed action toward what matters most, which can be useful for life changes, grief, and ongoing emotional pain. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns of relating and emotional bonds formed with caregivers, helping people understand how past relationships influence current connections and how to build more supported ways of relating.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work; Sue will collaborate with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they evaluate progress and adapt tools and interventions so treatment remains relevant and effective for the person seeking help.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing people to access care from home or while balancing other responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different formats, and schedule sessions in ways that suit varied lifestyles and needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Sue commonly address?

Sue supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, coping with life changes, addictions, LGBT matters, relationship and family issues, and parenting challenges. She also works with many related concerns such as attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and communication problems.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, focusing on the therapeutic relationship while integrating practical strategies from evidence-informed therapies. She helps clients identify strengths and develop tools to manage symptoms and move toward meaningful goals.

What is her professional background?

Sue has 10 years of experience in clinical work, including roles in trauma, crisis intervention, and advocacy that inform her confidence in navigating complex and sensitive issues.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She is licensed as an LMFT with license number CA LMFT 124329 and practices in California.

In what language can sessions be held and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are provided in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for working together?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are needed to begin therapy?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English