I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I have been practicing since 1999, when I graduated from Temple University with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. I spent the first 7 years of my counseling career working in a large outpatient mental health organization, several as assistant clinical director, before entering private practice. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I spent 10 years as Director of Human Resources for a mid-sized corporation.
My goal is to facilitate your healing, growth, and transformation. Rooted in the psychodynamic orientation, my therapeutic approach is "active eclectic", utilizing cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and Solution-focused interventions. I facilitate change by helping clients understand the underlying reasons why they feel conflicted and by helping identify patterns of behavior that are keeping them stuck. Together we work to develop new, healthier ways to respond to present day challenges.
My practice focuses on supporting clients with mood disorders & chronic mental illness; anger & stress management; emotional self-regulation; trauma; chronic pain, medical illness & physical injury; grief & loss, and other difficult life transitions. My previous career in HR prepared me to "coach" clients seeking Personal Growth & Professional Productivity.
Neurofeedback, Eye Movement Integration, and Clinical Hypnosis are frequently used as adjuncts to psychotherapy in my private practice.
Online clients can learn self-hypnosis and breathing techniques, powerful tools to regulate chronic pain and anxiety, helping reclaim control over their lives.
I have also worked extensively with veterans and their families in the Washington DC area, having received special training from military organizations for non-military professionals.
I utilize Live Video & Phone sessions, & I will respond to a few messages between sessions, but I do not conduct therapy via Live Chat or messaging.
PLEASE NOTE: my SUMMER HOURS are:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 noon - 6pm
Tuesday & Thursday 5, 6, 7 pm
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Cancer, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Military and veterans issues, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Traumatic brain injury
Clinical approaches: Hypnotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
MD LCPC LC2134
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Susan Schwerd. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I am happy better help matched me with Ms. Susan. I am feeling much better and can see amazing changes in my myself. Now I an able work on my goals. Thank you Betterhelp and Ms. Susan.
Written on Apr 09, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Susan is a wonderful therapist! She helped me navigate through times of stress. I would recommend my friends and family to her.
Written on Mar 15, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Susan is the best! I look forward to my weekly sessions with her. I’ve been seeing her for the past 10 months and each week she listens to me and offers me support and strong advice. I really appreciate the care and concern she shows for me. She always responds in a timely manner and is flexible with her schedule.
Written on Oct 17, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 9 months
Susan was very attentive and kind. I appreciate you
Written on Jul 09, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and anger management
Of the myriad of therapists I’ve spoken to, Susan is my favorite. She’s the best and most qualified. Not only is she kind, knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathetic, as she actively listens to you. But she also gets you outside of your own psychological lens, to help you understand why people act the way they do. She gives you the different perspectives of others, and helps you see the best in people.. even if you many not see it. I love working with her so much.
I never liked or looked forward to therapy until my sessions with her. I always come back wanting more.
Written on Mar 18, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fa
Susan is very warm and empathetic- I felt comfortable with her right away and look forward to our sessions.
Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues