We recently had the chance to connect with Susan Block and have shared our conversation below.
Susan, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
A lot of people are quietly struggling with the pressure to “do it all,” and it shows up in ways they often don’t name: burnout, constant overwhelm, and a feeling of being pulled in too many directions. As a private practice owner working with individuals and couples, I see clients trying to juggle careers, relationships, social media, and personal growth without ever really catching their breath. They are exhausted but still pushing forward, unsure of how to slow down without everything falling apart.
Underneath it all, there is often imposter syndrome, the fear of falling behind, and the guilt of not being fully present. Social media only amplifies this by feeding the myth that everyone else is balancing life effortlessly. The truth is, many are quietly unraveling behind the scenes. Maintaining healthy relationships, especially romantic ones, becomes even harder when you are running on empty. What we all need a bit more of is permission to pause, recalibrate, and realize that struggling does not mean failing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Susan Block, LMFT and founder of Coral Springs Counseling Center, a top-rated virtual group practice offering online therapy across the state of Florida. At our core, we help couples untangle the toughest relationship challenges, everything from infidelity to those pivotal moments when they are questioning whether their relationship can or should continue, while also supporting individuals who are overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, and the nonstop demands of life. I lead a passionate team of therapists who truly care about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 17 years as a Broward County school teacher, which taught me everything about patience, connection, and the courage it takes to grow. In addition to running the practice, I coach other therapists nationwide who are launching or expanding their own private practices. Whether they are stuck in self-doubt or ready to scale, I help them build something that is not only successful but also true to who they are.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was shy and carried a deep belief that I wasn’t good enough. Middle school was especially hard. I faced a lot of bullying and silently struggled with anxiety long before I even knew what it was. Luckily, I started therapy as a teenager. At first, I was skeptical and closed off, but my therapist quickly earned my trust and helped me break out of my shell. She was such an important part of my journey that she inspired me to become a therapist myself. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible therapists personally, because I truly believe every therapist should experience being on the other side of the couch. Therapy isn’t just a career for me; it’s a lifelong practice. Today, I’m proud to say I’m confident in who I am and the work I do. I’m no longer that shy middle schooler who felt invisible.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear and worry have been struggles for me for as long as I can remember. One of the biggest fears I developed was a phobia of flying, which became so intense that I stopped flying altogether for 15 years. Avoiding flights felt limiting and slowly made my world shrink. I hated feeling trapped by this phobia and tried several treatments that didn’t work. I was frustrated and crippled by the fear until I discovered a trauma technique called the Rapid Reduction Technique. After just a few sessions, I was finally able to get back on a plane. Overcoming that fear is something I am deeply grateful for. Every time I’m up in the air, I take a moment to look out the window and soak in the fact that I’m doing something I once thought was impossible. It’s not always easy, but I rely on tools I’ve learned through trauma treatments like EMDR to stay grounded so I can lift off and explore the world. Recently, I traveled to Iceland, which felt like stepping onto another planet. Traveling has expanded my mind and allowed me to experience life through a whole new lens beyond the everyday routine.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d say it’s the deep connections I maintain with my friends and family. I’m fiercely committed to my work in counseling and coaching, but I’m equally passionate about building and nurturing relationships within the mental health community. People often describe me as diplomatic, trustworthy, a good communicator, and someone who brings humor and lightness to any situation. I get my energy from those close to me. One thing my friends know is that I’ve faced the heartbreaking journey of infertility and pregnancy loss. That grief changed me in profound ways, but it also fueled my passion for helping others going through similar pain. I never take my relationships for granted and feel lucky to have some truly wonderful people in my life. On a lighter note, my friends also know I’m always up for a good time. I’m a huge animal lover and absolutely adore my pug, Ellie.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with the people who light me up, the ones who truly get me and let me be myself. As a natural helper, I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries, protect my energy, and turn that care inward. I find peace in the simple, meaningful moments like spending time with my four-year-old niece, who gives me the joy of reliving childhood in a way I never experienced, lounging at a local resort, or unwinding with a good massage. One small but special thing that brings me a sense of calm is traveling by train once in a while. I’m not a huge fan of flying, so the slower pace and gentle rhythm of a train ride feels comforting. It allows me to settle in, clear my head, and feel grounded in a way that’s hard to find in everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coralspringscounselingcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coralspringscounseling/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralspringscounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoralSpringsCounseling/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Coralspringscounselingcenter/videos
