Susan Schwerd , MD, LCPC

Susan Schwerd, MD, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who has been practicing since 1999 after earning a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Her early career included seven years in a large outpatient mental health organization, where she served several years as an assistant clinical director, and a prior decade leading Human Resources for a mid-sized corporation, experience that informs her coaching for personal growth and professional productivity.

Rooted in a psychodynamic orientation, her work is described as active and eclectic, drawing on cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, and solution-focused techniques to help clients identify underlying conflicts and patterns that keep them stuck. She guides individuals to understand the reasons for emotional pain and to develop healthier responses to current life challenges through collaborative exploration and practical interventions.

Her practice addresses mood disorders and chronic mental illness, anger and stress management, emotional self-regulation, trauma, chronic pain and medical illness, grief and loss, and other major life transitions. She has extensive experience working with veterans and their families in the Washington DC area and has completed special training from military organizations for non-military professionals.

As adjuncts to psychotherapy she frequently uses neurofeedback, eye movement integration, and clinical hypnosis. Online clients can learn self-hypnosis and breathing techniques as tools to help regulate chronic pain and anxiety and to regain a sense of control. She provides live video and phone sessions and may respond to occasional messages between sessions, but she does not conduct therapy through live chat or messaging. Her summer hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 noon to 6pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Susan Schwerd integrates several established approaches in her online practice. Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings and relationships, helping clients gain insight into recurring problems and long-standing emotional conflicts. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access inner resources and reduce symptoms like anxiety and chronic pain, often teaching self-hypnosis techniques clients can use between sessions. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on identifying strengths and practical steps toward specific goals, making it useful for clients seeking concrete changes in behavior or coping strategies.

Finding the right method is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with each person to determine which approach or combination of approaches fits their needs, goals, and preferences. The therapist and client review progress and adjust the plan together to maximize benefit.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing sessions to fit work, family, and medical schedules. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice techniques learned in sessions at home, and receive support without added travel time, while still working with licensed professionals trained to deliver these approaches effectively.