Online in California, Illinois
(Online Only)
Have you ever felt like you were busy doing all the things you thought would bring you a happy life, yet felt alone and disconnected from yourself and others? These feelings are often when people turn to alcohol, drugs, food, shopping or relationships to try to create those feelings of happiness, contentment and joy. It can work for a short time however the key to moving forward is to understand the reasons we seek out these distractions. When we strengthen the relationship with ourselves, the outer world becomes much more balanced and fulfilling. In our work together, you’ll gain tools to care for your nervous system, set healthier boundaries, and create a more positive and sustainable way of living.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: In our first session, we’ll start by arriving together—often with a few gentle breaths and a brief check‑in to help you settle into the space. From there, we’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy now, what feels most challenging, and what you’re hoping might be different. Together, we’ll begin to shape a plan for our work, at a pace that feels respectful of your nervous system and your story.
My approach is grounded in the belief that as we strengthen our relationship with ourselves, our outer world becomes more balanced and fulfilling. By slowing down and reconnecting with your mind, body, and spirit, you can begin to meet life’s events from a more stable, hopeful core sense of self. Over time, this inner connection can help you feel more resourced, confident, and aligned as you move through both everyday stress and bigger life transitions.
Education & Credentials
Sue De Santo LCSW
- Female
- License # 149.005709, LCSW94684
- Licensed in CA, IL
- Practicing Since 1991
Education: I graduated from Loyola University with a Masters Degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice, with over 34 years experience in a variety of settings. I have extensive experience working with women's issues, anxiety and depression, substance abuse, grief.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 175
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- “My fee is 185 per 50‑minute session. I also reserve a limited number of sliding‑scale spots to help make therapy more accessible for those with financial need. If cost is a concern, we can talk together about options and see whether a reduced fee is available at this time.”
- Out of Network
- I will provide a superbill for clients who need it.
Sue De Santo Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of California, Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: telehealth
I help individuals do this through insight-oriented counseling that explores life patterns and the stories you’ve learned to live by. In our work, you’ll also learn to gently reconnect with your body as a source of wisdom and guidance. I draw from creative visualization, breathwork, and Internal Family Systems, integrating mind, body, and emotion to support healing, regulation, and a deeper sense of wholeness.