Susanne Loar, LCSW

Susanne Loar is a holistic practitioner who blends psychodynamic and somatic psychology to help people build confidence, find greater fulfillment, and experience more joy in their everyday lives. She creates a collaborative, person-centered space where individuals can explore the meaning behind their symptoms and uncover the personal strengths that those behaviors and reactions once served. By recognizing the gifts within difficult patterns, Susanne helps clients translate new insights into lasting changes that can touch many areas of life.

With deep expertise in addictive disorders, Susanne supports people seeking to live differently without substances or problematic behaviors. She brings practical knowledge of community resources and helps clients develop sustainable ways of coping and recovery. She also addresses the impact of a loved one’s addiction on family members and caregivers, working to restore wellbeing across relationships.

Originally from Germany, Susanne has lived and traveled in multiple countries, an experience that informs her appreciation for diversity and her eclectic interests. She values the person-centered nature of social work and stays current with research on interventions while honoring each person's individual story. Her approach emphasizes meeting people where they are, listening with care, and celebrating progress at every step.

Susanne’s clinical background includes work in inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment, public mental health agencies, hospital inpatient mental health services, and the neonatal intensive care unit. She also supervises associate social workers and substance use specialists. As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a credential indicating advanced training and clinical experience in social work practice - she integrates a range of therapeutic methods. Her approach draws on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment-based and client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, somatic therapy, and trauma-focused techniques to tailor care to each person's needs. Susanne offers services in English and practices from North Carolina.