Licensed clinical social worker recordCalifornia
Suzanne Shumaker, LCSW
California
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Addictions
Continue with SuzanneCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in California
- LCSW, licence 134699
- NPI
- 1821502337
- Experience
- 3 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
These details come from information Suzanne supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Stress management
- Addiction recovery
- CBT and DBT skills
About Suzanne
Suzanne Shumaker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California with three years of clinical experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Suzanne also addresses communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, life purpose, post-traumatic stress, and self-love.
She helps people build practical coping skills for day-to-day stress. Sessions often include talking through emotions, identifying unhelpful thoughts, and practicing new ways of responding to difficult situations. Suzanne draws on client-centered methods to keep sessions focused on each person's priorities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used to spot patterns that keep problems going and to try small behavioral changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are introduced when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are needed. Suzanne explains strategies in plain language and practices them with clients during sessions.
She supports people working through addiction recovery by combining skill building with exploration of underlying feelings and triggers. Work on guilt, shame, and forgiveness is paced to each person’s readiness, with attention to realistic steps forward. Conversations about life purpose and self-love center on concrete actions and achievable goals.
Suzanne aims to help clients leave sessions with at least one clear idea to try between appointments. New clients are asked to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so initial goals can be identified and a plan put in place.
BHow sessions work
How Suzanne's approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client's concerns and priorities. The therapist listens attentively and structures sessions around what the person wants to address, helping people clarify goals and make concrete steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that can help when emotions feel overwhelming.Choosing the right approach is usually a collaborative process. Suzanne will work with the client to identify which methods fit their needs and preferences. Early sessions focus on setting goals and trying a few techniques to see what helps most, then the plan is adjusted together over time.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins when needed. They also allow practicing skills between sessions in real-world situations and reviewing progress together with a licensed professional.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Additional focus areas include communication problems, guilt and shame, and post-traumatic stress.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses client-centered methods that keep sessions focused on the client's priorities. Sessions combine listening with practical skill practice and goal-setting.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of experience working as a clinician. That time has involved applying evidence-based approaches with people facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. Location information refers to her licensure state only.
Are sessions offered in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English. No other languages are listed.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted. Therapy is provided under her California licensure.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
What do I do to start working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to set initial goals and plan next steps.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers