BEST Mental Health & Wellness

Susan Krauss is a masters-level, licensed psychotherapist who has worked with children, adults, and families for 20+ years. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University with a major in Child Development and Family Studies and a Masters in Social Work from New York University. She founded and served as the Clinical Director for Boost! Child and Family Services (www.kidsboost.com) in Westport, CT until 2024.

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Susan is committed to supporting individuals and families overcome life’s challenges and improve mental well-being through a collaborative process. This involves a wide range of objectives, such as increasing self-awareness, developing coping skills, improving relationships, identifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, and developing skills to optimize quality of life. Susan utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities based on the unique needs of each client. She has vast experience counseling children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma, as well as those with Learning Disabilities (LD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and other developmental or psychological issues.

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In addition to her work with children and families, Susan also counsels adults struggling with mood disorders, parenting struggles, marital issues, life transitions, and other challenges. Central to her work with these clients is providing meta-cognitive skill building and a deeper understanding of how an individual thinks, feels, and responds based on various life factors and history. With this exploration and work, clients can learn to better regulate emotional responses, recognize and reframe unhealthy thought patterns, and build practical strategies to build joy, resilience, and improve quality of life.

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As part of her treatment planning, Susan also offers guidance for clients navigating communication with outside professionals inclusive of (but not limited to) school meetings (IEP), consultations with medical and psychological providers, and guidance on specialized school and/or therapeutic placements as needed (in and out-patient). This component of her work allows for a more practical, comprehensive, and holistic quality of care for her clients. Susan has provided her services to public and private mainstream schools, therapeutic settings, hospitals, clinics, and private institutions over her career. She has conducted parenting support groups and developed/facilitated many types of therapeutic groups for children with various needs.

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Susan is formally trained in many evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She employs a holistic and multimodal approach to her work in an effort to tailor treatment plans and optimize outcomes. She prides herself on genuine care for her clients, as well as flexibility, collaboration, and integration.

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Susan lives in Weston, CT with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. She is a proud soccer mom, enthusiastic traveler, and avid Mets fan!