Susan Sparks , LCSW

Susan Sparks brings a long history of community involvement and focused clinical training to her work as a therapist in Illinois. She has spent decades working with children of all ages across a variety of settings and has volunteered in the community for more than 35 years, which informed her decision to specialize in mental health services. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - in 2013, a credential that denotes advanced clinical training in social work.

Susan works with children, young adults, individuals, and families, tailoring a life-centered approach to each person’s unique needs. She applies therapeutic strategies to address behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, trauma, anger management, and related difficulties. Her practice draws on research-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, mindfulness practices, and holistic therapies.

Grounded in the belief that everyone has strengths to draw upon, Susan focuses on helping clients build skills to meet life’s challenges and realize greater well-being. She offers supportive guidance aimed at helping people overcome obstacles and move toward more fulfilling, productive lives.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Online Therapy Options

Licensed professionals often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; this approach is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Play Therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to express feelings and work through behavioral or emotional challenges through guided play and interaction. Mindfulness practices teach simple attention and breathing strategies to increase emotional awareness and coping, which can support issues like stress, anger, and mood regulation.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and a therapist will work collaboratively with clients to determine which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process helps shape the plan for therapy and adjustments over time as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing sessions to take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and allow people to engage in therapy from the setting that works best for them, while still receiving care from licensed professionals and therapists trained in evidence-based methods.