Susan Merletti

Susan Merletti is a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with 39 years of experience. She emphasizes practical, compassionate support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, and anger. Susan encourages clients to build on their own strengths as they make changes.

She believes people know their stories best and brings a respectful, listening-first approach to each session. Conversations focus on the problems you bring and on small, doable steps toward feeling better. Susan aims to make the work understandable and manageable for people who are overwhelmed.

Her background includes long-term work with trauma, chronic illness and cancer-related concerns. She also helps people with addictions, sleep and eating problems, body image, intimacy issues, and identity questions, including gender dysphoria and LGBT concerns. The practice pays attention to both current life stressors and unresolved wounds from the past.

Susan uses a mix of methods that fit the person in front of her, including approaches that focus on thoughts and behavior, awareness in the present moment, and exploring personal history. Sessions are geared toward finding what helps you move forward rather than forcing a single method.

Clients who choose Susan can expect calm, steady guidance and practical tools. She supports people working through life transitions, career questions, caregiving and end-of-life matters, and the emotional effects of chronic health problems. Taking the first step is often the hardest, and Susan offers steady support as clients begin that work.

How Susan Uses Therapy Approaches Online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding your perspective. The therapist follows your lead, helps you clarify goals, and supports choices that feel right for you. This approach is useful for people who want an empathetic, nonjudgmental space to talk.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and actions that keep problems going. It uses practical exercises and small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and address anger. CBT tends to include clear steps you can practice between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Susan will talk with you about your goals and try different methods to see what fits. That collaboration helps shape sessions so they match your needs, preferences, and rhythm of life.

Confirm the current session options before booking so you know how she meets online. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, remove travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also support steady progress on things like anxiety, stress, anger, and coping with chronic health issues when regular contact helps keep momentum.