- Straightforward support
- Strengths focused
- Practical tools
About Susan
Susan Gallenz is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia with over 15 years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and related concerns like panic disorder and panic attacks. Her style is straightforward and supportive, aimed at guiding people through hard moments and building on their existing strengths.
She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and spent time volunteering with the U.S. Peace Corps in Jamaica, working with at-risk youth. That history shaped a practical, person-centered approach that values each person's story and abilities. Susan emphasizes collaboration and respects that clients know their lives best.
In sessions she helps people talk through anxiety, mood difficulties, workplace stress, and issues tied to identity such as LGBT-related concerns. She also assists with trauma, post-traumatic stress, anger, loneliness, and problems around communication and forgiveness. Her work includes supporting those coping with grief and the disruption panic attacks can cause.
Susan describes the therapist's role as a guide and supporter who helps clients find tools that fit their lives. She encourages small steps and recognizes how brave it can feel to begin therapy. The tone in her practice is warm, direct, and focused on practical progress.
To start, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability. The subscription model used for sessions can be canceled at any time.
Approaches that help with anxiety and panic
Susan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical relief and coping. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches breathing, grounding, and stepwise exposure strategies to reduce the intensity of panic and anxiety episodes. These techniques give immediate tools someone can practice when symptoms arise.Another approach emphasizes processing stressful experiences and trauma at a manageable pace. This helps reduce the ongoing impact of past events on mood and daily functioning and supports clearer thinking and emotional regulation over time.
Finding the right mix of strategies is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify what makes sense for their goals, comfort level, and daily routine. Together they try different techniques and adjust the plan based on what helps most.
Session logistics and formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm the current session options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. These practical benefits often make it simpler to maintain regular appointments and practice new skills between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Susan focuses on stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, and related problems. She also helps with panic disorder and panic attacks and issues like loneliness, social anxiety, and workplace stress.
How would you describe the therapy style here?
The approach is collaborative and practical. Sessions aim to build on a person’s existing strengths and to find tools that fit daily life.
What is Susan's professional background?
She has 15 years of professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker and previously volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps working with at-risk youth.
What credentials and location are listed?
The therapist holds a LCSW credential in Virginia and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current session options before booking to know how sessions will be conducted.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.