Last edited 05/08/2026
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanMiddle Eastern/North African, PalestinianIslamBIPOC, LGBTQIA+
Get To Know Me
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
My personality deeply shapes the way I show up as a therapist. I have always been highly sensitive and naturally attuned to what people are feeling, often noticing what is not being said as much as what is. Because I know what it is like to move through spaces where you do not always feel understood, I try to create a therapy space where clients feel genuinely seen, not judged, minimized, or rushed to become someone else.
My approach is not about “fixing” people or treating sensitivity, emotions, or survival patterns as flaws. I believe many of the ways people cope once made sense in the environments they came from. Therapy, to me, is about helping clients understand themselves with more compassion while also building the tools, boundaries, and emotional stability they need to live differently.
I bring warmth, honesty, curiosity, and depth into my work. I can sit with the hard things without needing to make them smaller, and I also help clients move toward real growth. My goal is for clients to feel accepted as they are, while still feeling supported in becoming more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves.
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
AnxietyRace & Cultural IdentityAddictionAbuse/Survivors of abusePost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
General Expertise
DepressionRelationship IssuesADHDAnger managementAttachment issuesBody image issuesCodependencyCultural adjustmentDrug addiction & abuseLGBTQIA related issuesLife coachingLife transitionsPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Sexual Harassment & AssaultSubstance abuseTraumaCoping SkillsAlcohol addiction & abuseHighly Sensitive PersonNeurodiversity
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Culturally Sensitive TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyMulticultural TherapyNarrative TherapyBrainspottingDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Coaching
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 112989
Training/CertificationsEMDRBrainspottingPain Reprocessing Therapy
Education
Pepperdine University, Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, 2015 — I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, where I received foundational training in psychotherapy, clinical assessment, diagnosis, ethics, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based treatment. During my graduate training, I began providing therapy to clients under clinical supervision and started accruing the supervised clinical hours required for licensure. This experience helped shape my trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and relational approach to therapy, and laid the foundation for my later work in community mental health, substance use treatment, trauma recovery, and private practice.
Work HistoryMy work as a therapist has been shaped by years of supporting clients through trauma, addiction and recovery, anxiety, depression, grief, family wounds, identity struggles, and difficult relationship patterns. I’ve worked in community mental health, schools, private practice, outpatient programs, residential treatment, and substance use recovery settings, which has helped me understand how deeply early experiences and survival patterns can impact how people feel, cope, and connect with others.
A lot of my experience has been with clients who are dealing with both substance use and underlying emotional pain, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, emotional overwhelm, and relationship struggles. I’ve supported clients at different stages of care, from outpatient therapy to residential treatment, including during times of crisis or major life transition.
Over time, this work has led me to specialize in complex trauma, relational trauma, addiction recovery, family dynamics, and culturally sensitive therapy. I especially enjoy working with highly sensitive, high-functioning adults who may look like they’re holding it together on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected, self-critical, or stuck in old patterns. My style is warm, honest, collaborative, and trauma-informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Ms. Susan ABDEL-HAQ, LMFT, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Susan ABDEL-HAQ accepting new clients?
Yes, Susan ABDEL-HAQ is accepting new clients for online therapy in California.
Does Susan ABDEL-HAQ accept insurance?
No, Susan ABDEL-HAQ does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Susan ABDEL-HAQ offer?
Susan ABDEL-HAQ offers therapy for individuals.
Does Susan ABDEL-HAQ offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Susan ABDEL-HAQ for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Susan ABDEL-HAQ offer online therapy?
Yes, Susan ABDEL-HAQ offers online therapy via video sessions and phone sessions to people in California.
How quickly can I see Susan ABDEL-HAQ?
Susan ABDEL-HAQ typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Susan ABDEL-HAQ speak?
Susan ABDEL-HAQ conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Susan ABDEL-HAQ online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Susan ABDEL-HAQ online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.
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