Therapist Susan Keene Photo

Susan Keene, LCSW

Addictions Relationship issues Family conflicts Anger management Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

My main approach is "cognitive behavioral therapy," because it's often how we see things that make our suffering. The way we think is through "self-talk," and it helps to become conscious of it. I have a healthy respect for the ways in which our "animal brain" governs much of our behavior without our awareness. I make use of "distress tolerance" and mindfulness from Dialectical Behavioral therapy when it seems to fit. Recently "somatic sensory-motor interventions" have caught my attention.

My personal experience is rich with problems many of us face. Anger, communication difficulties, deciding to stay or leave a relationship, seeing a loved one in addiction, anxiety or depression that lowers our functioning. Loss. Grief. Toxic parents. Aging.

I think we are more prone to isolation now. And we judge ourselves for things that are actually beyond our control. Our "self talk" rarely appreciates how precious we actually are.

It's often hard to disclose what we are suffering so even the idea of therapy is scary. Sometimes we want someone else to "fix it" for us, and then learn that we have work to do. Don't give up or settle for a certain level of miserable. Nourish curiosity.

Perhaps you know you need to talk to somebody but you aren't sure you can afford a subscription. If you live in Salt Lake County, make use of the "Warm Line," 801 587-1055. Call before 10:00 this evening and tell them you are making a "practice call." Talk about ANYTHING for 3 min; repeat within a week. If you've already done two practice calls, you'll be able to call when needed.

If you decide to work with me, complete the "information form" and explore the app enough to schedule our first session.

BetterHelp works best if you update the operating system on your Android or iPhone, or use Chrome on your laptop or desktop.
Explore until you find "video session test" which offers a chance to see what we look like when our camera is working. It checks to see if mike, speakers, and internet strength are sufficient. I prefer video sessions but it's okay if you want a phone session. I will sometimes accept a "chat session," but my preference is forvideo.

A BetterHelp session is intended to be 30 or 45 minutes duration. I prefer 45 min and like to extend that when we are new to each other. If you come on board today, the scheduling app will not let you schedule that same day, but I can schedule it if you wish.

Except for Tuesdays and some holidays, or if I am ill, I check the platform twice daily to catch your messages or to send them. I admit I am sometimes 4-6 min late for a session. Plz keep checking in and if you needed to skip the session, see if you can cancel it.

I look forward to working with you.



Professional experience

16yrs in practice

Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Chronic Pain Illness and Disability, Codependency, Communication Problems, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family of Origin Issues, Intellectual Disability, Isolation/Loneliness, Life Purpose, Mood Disorders

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Somatic Therapy

License information

UT LCSW 312328-3501

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Susan Keene. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

I have only met with Susan a couple times now, but she is just the therapist I need. She is wise, calm, and positive. She provides insight and another perspective that I have never thought of or been taught before. Susan is very prompt and professional, but also human and caring. I have truly enjoyed my time with Susan so far, and am excited to continue.

Written on Apr 24, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, coping with life changes, and coaching

Great therapist.

Written on Mar 29, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd

Susan is fantastic and although I’ve only had a few sessions with her she has helped me tremendously so that I can better communicate with the people I care about most.

Written on Mar 22, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

Susan has helped me immensely. And while she might not be right for everyone, (who is?) her personality and skills were just what I needed!

She is so kind and has a very calm demeanor, but she is able to call me out on flawed thinking when appropriate as well as give me good concrete suggestions for what to work on.

I’ve seen many therapists over the years and this is the first time I feel like I’ve actually gotten to a point where I don’t need therapy. She is one of the best listeners I’ve encountered. In combination with one or two other things that I have been doing to battle depression and anxiety, she has been a key part of feeling better than I have felt for years.

This may sound like too good of a glowing review, but I really am grateful that Better Help matched me with her. She may not come across at first like you would expect an everyday therapist would but I found her professional and extremely knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate.

Written on Feb 13, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

very Good.

Written on Feb 04, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and coping with life changes

Susan is the first therapist that I've really connected with. She is a genuinely kind and loving person who never hesitates to tell you when you're overthinking life. She makes coping with difficult changes seem simple and manageable. She also sends worksheets, articles, videos, and exercises customized to my needs. We work through problems together, and her suggestions are always thoughtful and informed. Together we've tackled anxiety issues, grief, and even a small family fight. She's responded to each with a loving attitude and understanding heart. I wish everyone had a Susan in their life because she has been a blessing in mine.

Written on Jan 26, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes