Susan Buss, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Forest Park and Oak Park, Illinois

Big Sky Consulting, Inc.

Susan works primarily with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents to bring about optimal functioning and realization of goals in relationships, health or careers.

Overview

Susan Buss earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Valparaiso University, Indiana in 1986 with a second major in Theology and a minor in Psychology. She earned her Master of Arts Degree from The School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago in 1992. Susan teaches graduate social work students as a Visiting Lecturer in the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Susan has fifteen years of experience providing individual, couples and group counseling in a variety of communities in the Midwest, with an emphasis on minority groups, both ethnic and gay/lesbian. Particular areas of clinical interest include coping, communication, anger, anxiety and depression, as well as resolution of grief, abuse and addiction. Techniques range from traditional therapy to alternative approaches. (See below)

Susan Buss sees clients at the following locations:

Forest Park, Illinois
Susan Buss, LCSW
7518 W. Madison
Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: (708) 366-8363 x2
Fax: (708) 366-8212
E-mail: suebuss@sbcglobal.net

Oak Park, Illinois
Contact Susan for office locations.

Personal Statement

I encourage you to call in order to get a better sense of my personality and professional style. That way, you can get up-to-date information on current offerings, such as the weekly Healing Circle, meditation workshops, or women's groups.

I work with many people who are new to counseling. Most people have tried other alternatives before they call, and are reluctant to involve a stranger. Having worked with mandated clients, (those "forced" into counseling by the legal system) I am sensitive to how uncomfortable the process can be, and try to make it as painless as possible.

These are some of the first questions people usually ask me:

• How does it work - what is counseling like?
• How much does it cost?
• How long does it last?
• How do I know you can help me?
• How do I know if it's working?

Basically, you describe your concerns, and I act as a consultant, making an assessment based on my training and experience. You decide whether I am the right therapist for you. Then, we explore which courses of action will work best for you. Some like to work intensely for a short period of time (3-10 sessions); some just come until they feel better. Many prefer traditional techniques, but willingness to try newer alternatives may speed up the process. I use simple evaluation tools so you can easily measure your own progress.

Here are some issues I have helped resolve successfully:

• Men and women, unhappy at work, deciding whether to stay or go, keeping focused for a job search, or trying to find their dream career.
• Couples who don't quite know what went wrong, how to make it right, or even if they want to.
• Individuals who have hit an unexpected "bump in the road," which has caused unmanageable stress at home or work.
• People in their 20's to 50's, overwhelmed, confused, doubtful and curious about the choices and changes confronting them.
• Teens or parents finding the transition from child to adult more difficult than they anticipated.
• Adults and teens needing a safe place to work on sexual identity issues.
• Women, traumatized as children or adults, experiencing relationship and intimacy difficulties.

"Traditional techniques" can include the following:

1.       Talk therapy (psychotherapy)

2.       Homework, such as reading or journal writing

3.       Behavior modification, to create a new habit or decrease a negative one

4.       Coaching, to set goals and create plans to achieve them

"Alternative approaches" can include:

1.       Use of visualization, guided imagery or relaxation

2.       Referral to holistic health practices such as massage, Reiki, yoga or meditation

3.       Intuitive energy readings or aura healings

The telephone is the fastest way to get a response, but feel free to use either method to inquire further or schedule an appointment. I wish you all the best as you move toward wellness!

Treatment Areas

Susan Buss has experience treating the following areas: alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, anxiety disorders, behavior disorders, bereavement / grief, bulimia, caregiver's issues, childhood sexual abuse victims, depression, dissociative disorders, divorce, domestic violence victims, drug abuse, eating disorders, family systems, gay and lesbian issues, geriatric issues, low self-esteem, marriage / couples issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders, organizational / life management, pain management, panic, phobias, physical disabilities, post-partum depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, rape victims, senior's issues, stress / hypertension, suicidal behavior / suicidal ideation, vocational / career, women's issues, teen issues, and academic achievement.

Treatment Modalities

Susan Buss provides cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic, alternative, psychotherapy, empowerment theory, family counseling, couples counseling, brief treatment, and goal-oriented treatment. Susan works with children, adults, adolescents, couples, families, and seniors.