LMFTTherapists

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SS Portrait of Susan Strain

Susan Strain, LMFT

Practical support for stress and relationships

About Susan

Susan Strain is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and relationship concerns. She writes and talks in a direct, respectful way and aims to make sessions feel practical and doable for busy lives.

Background and approach

Susan works from South Carolina and has ten years of experience in the field. Susan adapts each conversation to the person who comes in.

She listens for what matters most and then together they shape goals and a plan. Sessions focus on small, concrete steps that build better coping and clearer communication.

Common issues she addresses include communication problems, family of origin concerns, blended family challenges, and questions about fatherhood. She also supports people managing loss and strong emotions like anger.

Her work centers on steady progress rather than quick fixes. Susan emphasizes respect and sensitivity in sessions.

She helps people identify patterns that get in the way and practices new ways of responding. The approach is collaborative - the client sets priorities and Susan suggests techniques and exercises to try between meetings.

Clients can expect straightforward conversation, practical tools, and space to process difficult feelings. The goal is to build skills that carry into daily life so people feel more capable and calm over time.

Approaches that fit your life and online options

Susan draws on evidence-based techniques that focus on clear skills and real-life practice. One common approach helps people notice patterns in thinking and behavior, test out new responses, and reduce anxiety or low mood through small experiments and skill-building. Another approach concentrates on improving communication - it teaches how to state needs, set boundaries, and listen so relationships feel less tense and more manageable.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about their goals, try techniques, and adjust methods based on what feels helpful. This is a collaborative process where the client’s preferences and life situation guide what gets tried next.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which allow sessions to fit around work, caregiving, or busy days. Video is useful for deeper conversations and nonverbal cues, phone can work when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits quick check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to keep up with therapy while managing everyday demands.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Susan commonly help with?
Susan works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and relationship issues, plus blended family challenges and fatherhood questions.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses a practical, collaborative style that focuses on listening, setting clear goals, and trying concrete tools between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of professional experience in clinical work and practices in South Carolina.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT, licensed in South Carolina and practices from that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions may be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
10 years
Licensed
South Carolina
Languages
English