Through my life I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. I have always had a passion to care for and help others. I have worked and volunteered in the community for over 35 years. I saw many things in the community that concerned me especially in the area of mental health. I wanted to make a difference by helping others make a difference in our world. I achieved my Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013.
As a therapist I work with children, young adults, individuals, and families using a life approach tailored to the unique needs of each person. I use therapeutic strategies to help with behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and anger management, to name a few. I use research based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Mind fullness practice and Holistic Therapies.
I believe that each person has the capabilities to meet and manage the challenges they face, some requiring more guidance than others. I believe everyone no matter what age has strengths that they can draw on. I offer support for individuals to overcome obstacles and to realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy and productive lives.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD
IL LCSW 149.016759
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Susan Sparks. 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 have only had 2 sessions with her and she is amazing! Susan is so sweet and is a wonderful listener.
Written on Jan 03, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Susan has been a huge catalyst in my journey of building self confidence. She is a fantastic listener that doesn’t judge you when you bring your vulnerable self to the table. Her advice is practical and useful, and her calm demeanor helps you stay grounded in times of distress. I couldn’t recommend her more!
Written on Aug 23, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and adhd
Susan is amazing. She’s a great listener, and is very determined to help me get what I need out of counseling. I feel that she is genuinely dedicated to working with me and getting a better handle on my personal struggles. She is kind, intelligent and easy to talk to. She provides exercises and tools to help along the way, too.
Written on May 20, 2021 after therapy with Susan for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Susan has helped me identify various strategies that I can use to combat my anxiety. It helps to try several and see what works for me at different times. I'm acquiring a lot of different tools to arm myself with for the future.
Written on Dec 17, 2020 after therapy with Susan for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Susan has been amazing with helping me with my grieving and managing my thoughts and feelings, she’s very easy to talk to and really helped me remember my worth and helped bring back some of my confidence I have lost.
Written on Aug 05, 2020 after therapy with Susan for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
She listens and seems to relate very much with my situation, when no one else seems to understand. I enjoy my time with her, relate well in more than one area even on personal level. I can say she has helped me better than I anticipated I would be. Pleasant, easy to speak with!
Written on Jan 29, 2020 after therapy with Susan for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and self esteem