Susan RyderLCPC

Susan Ryder is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) practicing in Maine. She has 17 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and changes in life. She meets people where they are and encourages small steps toward clearer thinking and steadier days.

Susan emphasizes that each person knows their own story best. She uses that starting point to build on existing strengths and practical skills. Her approach aims to boost motivation, confidence, and the ability to cope when things get hard.

Sessions are conversational and focused on what matters now. She draws on evidence-informed methods to help people reframe unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Work often includes setting short, doable goals and noticing what changes between meetings.

Susan also helps people facing relationship strain, parenting pressures, grief, and compassion fatigue. She has experience with process addictions and issues that arise around pregnancy and childbirth, including postpartum depression. She offers steady support for those sorting life purpose, isolation, or career-related stress.

Clients can expect a warm, respectful tone and practical tools to use between sessions. Taking the first step can feel hard, and she acknowledges the courage it takes to begin. The focus is on clear, manageable progress rather than quick fixes.

Approaches that translate well to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the person's lead to uncover strengths and priorities. It is helpful for people who want a supportive space to talk through life changes, parenting concerns, grief, or compassion fatigue.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and motivation challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and it will be collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, try techniques, and adjust based on what feels most useful to the person seeking help.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions will be delivered. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, support shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time so people can use break times or brief windows in their day. Talk with the therapist about preferences and scheduling to make sessions fit practical life demands.