LCSW, 18 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Dr. Susan Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I hold a PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis in Performance, and I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals overcome challenges and enhance their well-being. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with clients facing a range of issues, and I am passionate about empowering them with the skills and insights they need to lead fulfilling, resilient lives. My approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each individual, focusing on transforming negative thought patterns and behaviors to create lasting change.
During our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know one another and setting the foundation for your therapy journey. I’ll ask questions about what brings you to counseling, your background, and the goals you’d like to work toward. This helps me understand your unique experiences and how I can best support you. You’ll also have the chance to share at your own pace—there’s no pressure to disclose more than you feel comfortable with. We’ll talk through what therapy can look like, answer any questions you might have, and begin creating a plan tailored to your needs. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer sense of what working together will feel like, as well as the next steps in your process. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the path ahead.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Space – I focus on building trust and providing a nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable sharing openly. Blending Compassion with Practical Tools – I combine warmth and empathy with evidence-based strategies, so you not only feel heard but also leave with skills you can use in daily life. Tailoring Therapy to You – I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. I adapt methods such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based practices to meet your unique needs and goals. Encouraging Growth and Resilience – I help clients recognize their strengths, build confidence, and move from feeling “stuck” to creating meaningful change. Commitment to Lasting Results – Clients often share that they leave sessions with greater self-understanding, improved coping strategies, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
work best with individuals who are seeking meaningful change but may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to move forward. Many of my clients come to therapy experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions. Others are working on strengthening self-esteem, managing stress, or navigating relationships. The people I serve often share a desire to understand themselves more deeply, heal from past experiences, and build practical tools to live with greater confidence and peace. Whether you’re looking for support with emotional regulation, personal growth, or improving your overall well-being, I create a safe and collaborative space to help you identify your goals and move toward them at a pace that feels right for you.
CBT is grounded in a large body of research showing that it is effective for treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and more. It provides clients with practical tools to challenge and change negative thought patterns, leading to healthier behaviors and emotional responses. 2. Focus on Thought Patterns and Behavior: One of the main reasons CBT is so effective is its focus on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps clients identify and understand how their negative or distorted thoughts influence their feelings and actions. By changing unhelpful thought patterns, clients can create lasting positive changes in their overall emotional state and behavior. 3. Skill Building for Long-Term Coping: CBT emphasizes equipping clients with the skills they need to manage future challenges. By teaching clients strategies for recognizing and reframing negative thoughts, managing stress, and problem-solving, CBT empowers them to cope with life's difficulties independently. This focus on skill-building supports long-term mental wellness and resilience. 4. Structured and Goal-Oriented: CBT is typically structured and goal-focused, making it easier for clients to track their progress. This approach offers clients a clear sense of direction and measurable outcomes, which can be motivating. Clients know what to expect from sessions and are more likely to stay engaged in the therapeutic process because they see tangible results. 5. Collaborative Approach: CBT encourages collaboration between therapist and client. The therapist and client work together to identify problem areas, set goals, and develop practical strategies. This collaborative approach helps clients feel more in control of their treatment and empowers them to take an active role in their healing process. 6. Adaptability: CBT is highly adaptable and can be customized to suit the unique needs and preferences of each client. Whether you're working with individuals, couples, or groups, CBT can be tailored to address specific issues, from relationship difficulties to managing chronic health conditions. 7. Short-Term Focus: CBT is often seen as a short-term therapy, which makes it appealing for clients looking for faster results or those who may be hesitant about long-term therapy. This time-efficient nature is especially helpful in addressing specific issues or challenges within a set timeframe. 8. Client Empowerment: By focusing on changing thoughts and behaviors, CBT helps clients feel more empowered in their own lives. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the idea that clients have the ability to change their internal narratives and reactions, which can significantly boost their self-confidence and overall mental health.