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Susan Garner

Susan Garner, LMFT

Therapist · California · 20+ years of experience

Experienced LMFT focused on life transitions

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  • Midlife concerns
  • Relationship work
  • Practical coping skills

About Susan

Susan Garner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with two decades of clinical work. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, grief, anger, midlife questions, and career shifts. She also supports those dealing with trauma, ADHD, and issues around intimacy and self‑esteem.

Susan favors a straightforward, conversational approach. She helps clients name the problems that feel big and confusing. Together she and the client set clear goals and practical steps to reach them. Sessions focus on building understanding, stronger communication, and healthier patterns in daily life.

Her background combines many strands of psychotherapy. She draws on client-centered and attachment-based ideas to deepen connection and trust. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools are used for changing thoughts and behaviors day-to-day. Emotionally-Focused Therapy techniques are used when relationships and emotional bonds need attention.

Susan also integrates mindfulness practices and psychodynamic insight work. That mix lets her address both immediate coping skills and deeper emotional patterns. She often uses simple body-mind awareness exercises to help regulate stress and anxiety.

People come to her for midlife transitions, relationship conflicts, blended family challenges, and long-standing patterns linked to family of origin. Her style is respectful, direct, and collaborative. She guides clients toward clarity and practical change while acknowledging the emotional weight of difficult life moments.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaSomatizationYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

California, Oregon

Languages

English

How her approaches translate to online work

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early connection patterns affect current relationships. It helps people notice how they reach for closeness or pull away, and then practice new ways of connecting. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's experience and priorities, letting the therapist follow the client's pace and build trust through acceptance and active listening. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Susan collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and temperament. Together they review what feels useful and adjust the plan as needed so therapy stays focused and relevant.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, keep check‑ins brief when needed, and use video or phone when one option suits a given day. Many people find it simpler to practice CBT exercises or mindfulness between sessions when therapy is online, and attachment or emotionally-focused work can continue through regular conversations with a trained therapist. If international scheduling is needed, she accepts clients from other countries and will work to arrange times that suit both parties.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Susan commonly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, self‑esteem, career changes, ADHD, and midlife crisis among other related challenges.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented with an emphasis on clarity and practical steps. She combines listening, validation, and skills-building to help clients move forward.

What experience does she bring to therapy?

She has about 20 years of clinical experience and has worked broadly with people facing relationship and life transition issues.

What credentials and location are listed?

Susan is an LMFT licensed in California and Oregon and practices from California.

In which languages can sessions be held?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What formats are used for sessions?

The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Susan Garner Online therapy options on BetterHelp

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