Susan Frate , LISW

Susan Frate is a licensed independent social worker based in Ohio with 25 years of professional experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and major life changes. She centers her work on the belief that each person is the expert on their own life and brings strengths and resilience to the challenges they face. Susan invites clients to draw on that existing courage - the same courage it takes to seek help - and to partner with her in focused, practical work aimed at meaningful change.

Susan holds the LISW credential, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker, reflecting advanced training and clinical experience in social work practice. Her approach emphasizes respect for individual values and priorities while offering evidence-informed skills and support. She aims to create a space where clients can explore patterns, build coping strategies, and clarify goals for growth. Whether addressing immediate symptoms or navigating long-term transitions, Susan supports clients in applying their strengths toward steady progress and improved daily functioning.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps clients clarify what matters most to them and learn practical ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward meaningful action. It can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions by focusing on values and committed behavior change.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes collaboration and respect for the client as the expert on their own life. In this approach the therapist offers empathic listening and support to help clients explore their experiences, build self-understanding, and strengthen their capacity to make choices that align with their goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and learning concrete skills to shift those patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns and tends to be goal-oriented and skills-based.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Susan partners with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative process allows adjustments over time so therapy remains aligned with what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how people connect - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy schedules and varied lifestyles. These options allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent, effective support while accommodating different communication styles and logistical needs.