My Approach
Sometimes we turn away from memories, experiences, or parts of ourselves that make us feel hurt, confused, or ashamed. This is often an involuntary process that we have adopted in order to survive or perhaps been led to believe is necessary to thrive. Therapy offers a space to turn toward the self and engage with what we most fear in order to step more fully into life. My goal is to be a compassionate collaborator in that process. I believe healing comes from telling the stories of your life and working to understand how you use those stories to cope, make sense of reality, and know yourself. I practice with an anti-oppressive lens, emphasizing that engaging with your concerns is incomplete without a broader understanding of your social and cultural context and the impact of the systems in which we live.
My approach to therapy is predominantly psychodynamic, which means that we will focus on deeply understanding your concerns and making connections between past and present. We will also explore relationships and relational patterns in your life, including how those patterns replicate in our work as therapist and client. I may offer cognitive-behavioral or mindfulness skills where appropriate, but the focus of our work will be on understanding your history and how you can use this understanding to actively choose how you want to live and the relationships you want to be in. Generally, this is longer term work, though meaningful progress is possible on shorter timelines. Sometimes adjunctive therapies with other providers will be complementary to our process (such as EMDR, ERP, DBT, medication management/psychopharmacology, couples therapy, etc.), and I can assist you with referrals to relevant providers.
Specialties, Experience, and Education
I provide individual therapy in the Central Square neighborhood of Cambridge, MA and virtually anywhere in Massachusetts to adults of all ages and backgrounds. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement, life transitions, gender and sexuality, complex trauma, identity, and relationships.
Experience
Education
In addition to providing individual therapy, I have worked in palliative care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in homeless services at the Groundworks Collaborative/Brattleboro Retreat in Vermont, and on the suicide prevention hotline Samaritans of New York. I also have a background as a theater professional and love working with people navigating the nuances, joys, and complexities of creative life.
MSW from Smith School for Social Work
BFA from NYU Tisch
Currently in training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
Process and Orientation
01
Initial Call
We begin with a complimentary fifteen-minute phone consultation. This conversation is an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns and get an initial sense of whether my approach is best for your needs.
02
Initial Assessment
The first 1-3 sessions are a chance for us to get a sense of how we would work together, exploring your history and concerns and deciding whether my approach is the right fit for your goals.
03
Ongoing Discovery
We will meet 1-2 times per week for in-depth exploration of your history and concerns, aiming for insight, development of agency in leading the life you want, symptom reduction, and everything in between.
Insurance & Fees
I accept Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO plans. I am also currently in the process of credentialing with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. While I cannot guarantee approval for HPHC, I anticipate being able to accept this insurance plan later in 2026, though the timeline is subject to the credentialing process.
For self-pay clients, my fee is $250 per session. I can provide a superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
A limited number of need-based sliding scale spots are available — please inquire for more information.
Reach Out
If you are ready to start or have questions about how therapy can support you, please reach out by phone or email. I typically respond to all inquiries within two business days.
(617) 294-9532
susannahjones@susannahjoneslicsw.com
Cambridge, MA & Virtual