Meet Sue Shekut, LCPC, LMT

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Sue's approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, versus confrontational.  Sue integrates wellness, interpersonal neuropsychology, and positive psychology in her therapy sessions. She uses the tools of validation, compassion, expressive arts, somatic awareness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and gentle humor. As a sex-positive therapist, Sue strives to give clients the means to improve intimacy in relationships. She helps clients become more self-accepting of their sexual expression and their identity. She apply evidence-based interventions and continually increases her own knowledge via training in the latest theories and techniques.

Sue's work is informed by Brene Brown, shame and vulnerability researcher; Bessel van der Kolk, leading expert in the field of trauma recovery; Peter Levine, master somatic therapist; and Marsha Linnehan, creator of dialectical behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that combines behavioral science with Buddhist concepts of acceptance and mindfulness.

• Trauma, (including complex trauma, sex abuse, physical abuse, combat trauma, medical trauma and community violence)
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders, (including OCD and Social Anxiety Disorder)
• Addiction
• Mood disorders
• Relationship issues
• Human Sexuality issues, including problematic sexual behaviors
• Gender and sexual orientation
• Codependency
• Intimacy Issues
• Attachment issues
• Career issues
• Sue is licensed to provide psychotherapy in Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, and Arizona 

Sue holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Michigan.  Sue has also completed master's level classes in business administration at Eastern Michigan University.

Sue has completed training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is helpful for addiction, shame, anxiety, and anger. DBT helps clients learn to calm their nervous systems, handle emotions and discomfort, set boundaries, and to communicate more effectively. 

Sue is certified in EMDR and is also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, which are both recommended for PTSD treatment by the Veterans Administration and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. 

Sue has additional training in Psychodrama (Experiential Therapy), Improvisational Theater, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga. She is currently expanding her training in sex therapy, neurobiology, and somatic psychology. Sue integrates Somatic psychotherapy techniques in her work. Sue has completed over 100 hours of training in Somatic Experiencing® training thus far, including Beginning I, II and III and Intermediate I, II, III, and she is continuing her training in this modality.

Sue is also trained in Somatic Resilience and Regulation, a form of somatic touch therapy, that addresses developmental trauma. SRR theory is based on a combination of attachment theory, developmental trauma psychology, somatic psychotherapy and gentle noninvasive touch. It is not massage therapy or bodywork. Working online now, Sue uses the theory behind SRR to help clients learn to better co-regulate and heal from developmental trauma. Sue is not providing touch therapy at this time, however.

Sue's experience as a psychotherapist includes providing individual therapy and co-leading groups at a large metropolitan outpatient medical center.  Sue has worked at an adolescent substance use facility as well as in a private group counseling practice, where she provided individual, couple's, and group therapy for clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction issues.  

Sue has been a Clinical Massage Therapist since 2000 and a Wellness Coach since 2009. This background enables her to help clients increase their somatic awareness and understand the mind-body connection.  

Sue previously worked as a Technical Writer, a Trainer, and an Instructional Designer. Her corporate background enhances her skills as a group facilitator and in providing psychoeducation to clients and family members. Sue's experience in the business world, along with her training in career counseling, gives her tools to counsel clients with career issues. This is useful when a job or career change is needed to improve a client's environment and wellbeing.

Sue has also been a yoga practitioner for over 25 years. She enjoys traveling, training, exploring nature, hiking, biking, swimming, and Stand Up Paddle boarding with her partner to keep her own nervous system and body, happy and healthy!

Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor: 180.011295

Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor: 18848

Indiana Licensed Mental Health Counselor: 39004065A

Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor:  LPC013299