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Susan Frate

Susan Frate

LISW

Compassionate trauma-informed therapist

Continue with Susan Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.
  • Trauma-focused care
  • Values-based work
  • Skills and coping

About Susan

Susan Frate is a licensed independent social worker in Ohio with many years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and difficult life changes. Susan approaches therapy with respect for each person's strengths and decisions. She invites clients to use their courage as a starting point for change.

In sessions she works in a practical, down-to-earth way. Conversations are guided by what matters most to the client, and goals are set together. Susan draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other approaches to address painful memories, overwhelming emotions, and unhelpful patterns.

She emphasizes learning skills you can use between sessions. That might include ways to notice thoughts and feelings, try small behavior changes, or practice calming strategies. The work also looks at values and what gives life meaning to help guide decisions and action.

Susan brings 25 years of experience to her practice and frames therapy as a collaborative effort. She listens for each person's priorities and adapts techniques to fit their pace and comfort level. Clients can expect straightforward feedback and practical suggestions.

Her practice includes attention to a wide range of concerns, such as grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, ADHD, parenting stresses, and attachment or adoption-related questions. Sessions are conducted in English for people located in Ohio.

How Trauma-Focused and ACT Work Online

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing distressing memories and reducing their hold on daily life. Work often includes learning to manage strong reactions, creating safety in the present, and slowly approaching painful material at a pace that feels manageable.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values. It uses simple practices to notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, and then guides action toward meaningful goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy journey. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels doable, then recommend techniques from Trauma-Focused Therapy, ACT, CBT, or DBT as appropriate. That decision is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because the biography does not list specific formats. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, shorten check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. Some people prefer not being on camera, while others find video helps maintain connection; those choices help shape how therapy fits into everyday life.

These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing trauma-focused therapy does not mean a therapist holds a specific certification such as TF-CBT, EMDR or CPT.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Credentials

Ohio

Languages

English

Licenses listed

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can Susan help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes, among many other issues such as grief, addiction, and parenting stress.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Susan uses a practical, collaborative style that focuses on strengths and clear goals, combining Trauma-Focused Therapy with approaches like ACT and CBT to address symptoms and patterns.

What is her professional background?

She brings 25 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and community practice.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds an LISW credential and practices in Ohio.

Which languages are supported and can she see international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current options with the service before booking.

How is cost handled for therapy?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I need to do to get started?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication; a doctor can talk with you about medical options. This directory is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.

Susan FrateContinue with Susan