- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practice
About Susan
Susan MacDonald is a Rhode Island LMHC with 14 years of professional experience. She helps adults who are carrying heavy guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, or relationship strain. Her work also addresses stress, self-esteem, life transitions, and problems like codependency and isolation.
She uses straightforward, conversational sessions that focus on what you’re facing right now. Susan draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen and reflect, and on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot patterns that keep painful feelings active. She also uses elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness tools to help manage intense emotions and reduce reactivity.
Her approach is practical and steady. She helps people name the specific thoughts and behaviors that feed guilt and shame, and then tests small changes to see what helps. Sessions include talking things through, practicing new reactions, and learning skills for tougher moments.
Susan has worked with concerns ranging from panic and trauma symptoms to obsessions, compulsions, and midlife questions. She pays attention to family of origin issues and how past relationships shape current shame or emptiness. The aim is to reduce the hold these feelings have on daily life by changing what you do and think in manageable steps.
People who come to her often want clearer communication, stronger self-worth, or relief from persistent negative thinking. She will help identify priorities and work at a pace that fits each person’s situation.
How her approaches work for online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy starts by focusing on the person’s concerns and reflecting back what’s important. It helps people feel heard and decide what to tackle first, which is useful for guilt or shame that feels vague or all-consuming.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down thoughts, feelings, and actions into smaller pieces. It teaches clear experiments and skill practice to test whether certain thoughts are accurate and to try different behaviors that reduce distress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) contributes short-term emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. These can be helpful when guilt or shame triggers intense reactions or panic symptoms.
Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. Susan will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals and comfort level. That decision is adjusted over time based on what actually helps.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online session options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or let them choose whether to be on camera. Discuss format preferences when you schedule the first session to arrange practical details.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Rhode Island
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and life changes. Additional focus areas include codependency, family of origin issues, and guilt and shame.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is conversational and practical, using listening alongside skill teaching. She combines client-centered listening with CBT and DBT techniques as needed.
How much experience does she have?
She has 14 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, anxiety, and relationship concerns.
What credential and state licensure does she hold?
She is an LMHC licensed in Rhode Island, listed as RI LMHC.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.