Susan Keene, LCSW

About Susan Keene

My main approach is "cognitive behavioral therapy," because it's often how we see things that cause our suffering. AND, there's a lot going on with our "animal brain" that governs our behavior without our awareness. Mindfulness helps a great deal, and I have had training from the best teachers. My personal experience is rich with a variety of problems many of us face. I GET it when its the little simple ordinary stressors that suddenly seem unbearable while we were able to handle a big one like the loss of a loved job. We feel silly even asking for help. The most important thing in therapy is "therapeutic alliance." You must feel that you are HEARD. To that end, I want to practice "feedback informed therapy," in which I ask you to let me know how the session went for you Sometimes I am more successful treating men and I am reluctant to take on clients who have had suicidal thoughts in the previous two weeks. I have on rare occasion, had to take steps for involuntary hospitalization, but always I want to be able to check on the client who may be at risk. Therefore, my informed consent form asks for more information than the BetterHelp one does. MOST of the time, BetterHelp allows the client to choose a time for a session. However, I need the info requested in the information form before our first session. The informed consent and the therapist setting time for the session is more hassle, I know, but BetterHelp is GREAT in two ways: you can switch therapists very easily, AND you have almost unlimited contact through the text/message function on the platform. I keep my caseload small so I can offer help or lend an ear throughout the week, not just during sessions. I usually check twice a day.