Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Costa Mesa, CA
I established my private practice in Orange County over two decades ago, driven by a profound desire to make a difference in people's lives after a career in corporate business. My professional journey includes teaching at Coastline Community College's Acquired Brain Injury Program for 14 years and facilitating leadership workshops developed by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. With specialized expertise in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and brain injury caregiver support, I combine clinical excellence with compassionate care.My practice emphasizes client-centered therapy, helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges through personalized approaches. Having personally experienced significant life transitions, I bring authentic empathy and practical wisdom to my work, creating a safe space for clients to achieve meaningful growth.
Services
Anger Management
Anxiety Counseling
Conflict Resolution
Couples Therapy
Depression Treatment
Grief Counseling
Life Transitions Support
Stress Management
Relationship Counseling
Brain Injury Caregiver Support
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of private practice experience in Orange County
- Specialized training in brain injury counseling and caregiver support
- Combines clinical expertise with real-life personal experience
- Client-centered approach tailored to individual needs
- Flexible evening appointment availability Monday-Thursday
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
What people say
Compassionate approach
Personalized care
Emotional insights
Expert guidance
Meaningful progress
Services
Anger Management
I help clients understand and constructively manage anger through personalized therapy techniques. By addressing root causes and developing healthy coping strategies, clients learn to express emotions productively while improving relationships. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with practical communication skills to transform destructive patterns into positive interactions.
Anxiety Counseling
My evidence-based therapy addresses anxiety disorders through tailored treatment plans that include symptom management and root cause resolution. Clients develop practical tools for managing panic attacks, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety while building resilience. I focus on creating safe spaces for exploring triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms for lasting relief.
Couples Therapy
I help couples rebuild connection through improved communication and conflict resolution strategies. Sessions focus on addressing specific issues like infidelity, parenting disagreements, and intimacy challenges while fostering mutual understanding. My approach combines emotional validation with practical problem-solving to strengthen relationships and restore trust.
Brain Injury Support
With specialized expertise in brain injury care, I support caregivers and families through the emotional challenges of caring for loved ones. Therapy focuses on stress management, boundary setting, and understanding injury-related behavioral changes. My 14 years of experience in this field informs personalized strategies for maintaining caregiver well-being while providing quality care.
Life Transitions Therapy
I guide clients through major life changes including divorce, career shifts, and parenthood adjustments. Therapy focuses on developing resilience and adaptive coping strategies while processing complex emotions. My approach emphasizes finding meaning in transitions and building practical tools for navigating uncertainty and creating positive futures.
People
Sue Shepard MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed therapist with over 20 years of private practice experience in Orange County. Former IBM business analyst turned mental health professional. Holds master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and 14 years of teaching experience in brain injury programs.
Questions
What types of therapy services do you offer?
I provide individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and brain injury caregiver support.
How can therapy help with anxiety management?
Therapy provides evidence-based techniques to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and develop coping strategies for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders.
Do you accept insurance for therapy sessions?
While I don't accept insurance directly, I provide documentation for potential reimbursement and offer flexible payment arrangements to accommodate client needs.
What makes your approach to couples counseling unique?
My approach combines practical communication skills training with emotional validation to address both immediate conflicts and underlying relationship patterns.
Are evening appointments available for working professionals?
Yes, I offer evening appointments Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM to accommodate work schedules.
How do you support caregivers of brain injury survivors?
I provide specialized counseling focusing on stress management, boundary setting, and understanding injury-related behavioral changes through 14 years of experience in this field.
Reviews (2)
Rei B.
Nov 23, 2014
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My partner and I went to see Sue when we were in crisis. She met with us within a few days at a convenient time. She was consistently compassionate. She has a kind and directive manner and focuses on solutions. After the crisis subsided, we stayed working with her for a year addressing other needs to navigate around future crises. Our family has tools we use daily, and we are continually grateful to Sue and the help she gave us.
Sandie S.
Oct 17, 2008
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Excellent therapist. I was so glad that I went and saw Sue. I had heard a lot of good feedback from some friends & finally decided to make the call. I am so grateful that I did. Sue Shepard is a great therapist. I highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about "doing the work" and "getting the results". I found her to be honest, direct and motivated. I am very pleased with my choice.
