Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Anger management
How Susan works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Virginia
- Years in practice
- 15
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Susan
Susan Gallenz is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, anger, and trauma. She speaks plain, direct language and aims to make first steps feel manageable for someone scrolling on a phone. Her approach centers on listening and guiding people toward practical change.
She has about 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and earlier work supporting people with substance-related concerns.
Background and approach
Susan earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and spent time volunteering with at-risk youth in Jamaica through the U.S. Peace Corps. In sessions she helps people name what feels overwhelming and build step-by-step coping skills.
She draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, mood concerns, and workplace stress. She also supports people navigating LGBTQ challenges, grief, and the effects of past abuse. Susan treats anger as a response that can be understood and redirected, helping clients explore triggers and develop healthier ways to express needs.
She also works on communication problems, forgiveness, and managing guilt and shame so daily life becomes easier to handle. Her style is collaborative and strengths-focused: she treats each person as the expert on their own life and offers guidance tailored to individual goals. The work typically combines talking through current problems with practical tools to try between sessions.
What Susan works with
Everything Susan lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Susan's practice.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online care
Many evidence-based approaches use focused skill-building and practical strategies that work well in virtual settings. Cognitive behavioral methods help people notice thought patterns that fuel anxiety or anger and teach step-by-step tools to change those patterns. This approach is often used to reduce panic attacks, social anxiety, and mood swings.Trauma-informed techniques focus on safety, pacing, and grounding skills to reduce the intensity of memories and reactions. These methods aim to help people regain a sense of calm and increase tolerance for difficult feelings. Techniques for grief and loss emphasize processing emotions and developing routines that support recovery.
Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will listen to goals, try a few strategies, and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. Clients are invited to give feedback so therapy stays aligned with their needs and preferences.
Online sessions offer practical benefits for busy lives. Video calls let people use visual cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or being on camera feels tiring. Live chat and text-based messaging allow brief check-ins, quick problem-solving, or notes between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work breaks, caregiving schedules, and variable routines.
Questions people ask about Susan
What kinds of problems does she help with?
Susan helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger, grief, trauma and abuse. She also supports those dealing with panic attacks, mood issues, workplace stress, and LGBTQ concerns.
What is her overall therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and strengths-focused, with practical steps aimed at real-life change. Sessions usually mix talking through issues with skill-building to use between meetings.
How long has she worked in the field?
She brings 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and prior work supporting people with substance-related concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is licensed as an LCSW in Virginia and earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.
What languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with people located where her licensing permits practice.
What formats are available for sessions?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and scheduling handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire.