Susanne Castellano, LCSW, LICSW
Telehealth therapy in Oregon and Washington
Karrikin Counseling
Grounded therapy for resilience and change
I’m a deeply relational therapist, and my priority from the very first session is helping people feel at ease — seen, understood, and safe enough to be real. I rely on genuine human connection and shared humanity: therapy with me does not feel cold, scripted, or robotic — it feels human.
I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2006 and have worked in direct therapy since 2022, with over a decade of prior experience working in oncology, end-of-life care, and crisis intervention. I work with teens and adults, with expertise in anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions. I also work well with clients with chronic/acute illness, mood-disorders, suicidal ideation, ADHD, domestic abuse, and other challenges that create difficulty moving forward and a feeling of "stuckness." I tend to work especially well with people who are sensitive, creative, reflective, or deeply feeling — including highly sensitive people (HSPs). I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients, including transgender and gender-diverse people, and am committed to providing an affirming, respectful space where identity is honored rather than questioned.
I resonate deeply with the wounded healer archetype and with the idea of transforming pain into something meaningful. I’ve been through significant hardship in my own life, and this informs my work in quiet but important ways. It allows me to meet suffering with compassion and nonjudgment. I believe that when we honor and make space for our wounds, they can deepen our capacity to understand, connect, and heal.
Susanne Castellano, LCSW, LICSW
Working With Me
I believe meaningful change grows out of a strong therapeutic connection. I bring warmth, authenticity, and humor into the room — even when the work is heavy. When clients trust me with their deepest fears, regrets, or shame, I hold that trust with great care. I don’t position myself as an expert above you — I see therapy as two people figuring things out together.
In my practice, I utilize a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with other tools, including EMDR, Flash Technique, and parts work (IFS-informed). I don’t use the same approach with everyone, and I’m not rigid about modalities. I tune in closely, listen deeply, and adapt my work based on what each client needs in the moment.
My work blends depth with practicality. For clients who enjoy creativity and meaning-making, therapy may include metaphor, expressive writing, and reflection. For those who want structure and grounding, I also offer concrete tools and practical strategies that can be used outside of session. Many people find they benefit from both.
My hope is to help people see themselves with more compassion and flexibility, and to discover that healing isn’t about fixing who they are, but about understanding and accepting themselves more fully.
FEES & INSURANCE
My rate for a 55-minute session is $170.
I am in-network with Moda, Regence (BCBS) of Oregon and Washington, Carelon, Quest Behavioral Health, Aetna, and Cigna, with more coming soon.
A superbill can be provided for out-of-network services.
*Please note services are available by telehealth only at this time.
After bushfires, karrikins in the smoke awaken dormant seeds deep in the soil, and thus life begins again...