Susan Futterman, LMFT

Therapist in California

Compassionate trauma and grief-informed therapy

Continue with Susan Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Focus on relationships
Supports mood struggles
Body-informed work

About Susan

Susan Futterman is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. She brings 11 years of clinical experience helping people who are carrying heavy loss, complex trauma, or persistent low mood. Her work is straightforward and focused on practical next steps that fit into everyday life.

Susan often begins by listening closely to the story behind the pain. She pays attention to how relationships, past losses, and body sensations shape current struggles. That helps her tailor sessions to each person's needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Her approach draws on attachment-focused ideas to understand how early relationships influence trust and security. She also uses trauma-focused and somatic tools to address how traumatic memories and bodily responses keep problems active. These methods are aimed at reducing overwhelm and improving emotional regulation.

Susan supports people dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, panic, and the effects of abuse or sexual assault. She also helps with relationship concerns, career stress, identity questions related to LGBT issues, and money-related worry. Additional attention is given to abandonment, dissociation, guilt and shame, and mood disorders.

Sessions are conversational and paced to the individual's comfort. People can expect clear goals, steady support for change, and techniques to manage symptoms between sessions. To begin, clients follow the site process to match and schedule time with her.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

Approaches that address relationships, trauma, and the body

Susan uses attachment-informed methods to look at how early bonds shape adult relationships and emotional patterns. This approach helps when trust, abandonment, or attachment worries are getting in the way of daily life.

She also draws on trauma-focused and somatic work to address the effects of traumatic events. Trauma-focused therapy helps process memories and reduce their emotional charge, while somatic techniques pay attention to bodily sensations that keep stress and panic active.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaboration. The therapist and client work together to decide which methods fit the person’s goals and comfort level, and this plan can change as therapy progresses.

Because the site does not list specific session formats for this clinician, confirm available online options before booking. Online sessions can make therapy easier to fit into a busy life by saving travel time, allowing appointments during a workday break, or letting someone choose shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about practical arrangements that support regular attendance and realistic progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

Susan works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She also addresses relationship strain, career stress, LGBT concerns, and related issues such as panic and mood disorders.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style mixes listening with practical steps. Sessions are conversational and aimed at setting clear goals and manageable tasks between meetings.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 11 years of experience working with complex grief, trauma, and mood-related concerns.

What credentials and region apply to this therapist?

She is an LMFT, which stands for licensed marriage and family therapist, practicing in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.