Therapy by Suzanne

Small Business Spotlight: Therapy By Suzanne

When Suzanne Kramer opened her private practice, Therapy By Suzanne, in May 2022, it was the start of a new chapter—one defined by independence, growth, and a commitment to helping others heal.

Suzanne’s journey into private practice wasn’t an easy one. Before striking out on her own, she worked at a methadone clinic in Lynn, where her days often began before sunrise. “I had to get up at 5 AM, be at the clinic by 6 AM, and sometimes worked until 4 or 5 PM,” she recalls. With a caseload of nearly 100 clients and workweeks that stretched to 50 hours, the experience was grueling but formative. It taught her endurance, compassion, and the importance of setting boundaries—skills that now serve as cornerstones in her own practice.

Since then, Therapy By Suzanne has grown rapidly, more than doubling in size since opening. Suzanne offers a variety of therapeutic modalities, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Expressive Arts Therapies, while focusing primarily on individual therapy for adults 18 and older. At the heart of her work are core values she lives by: honesty, integrity, authenticity, accountability, compassion, and perseverance.

Owning her own business has brought challenges as well as rewards. One of the biggest hurdles has been learning to balance client needs with her own well-being. “I often worked mornings, days, and evenings to accommodate everyone,” she says. “But I’ve learned to set limits and boundaries to protect my mental and physical health.” Combatting the isolation of running a solo practice has also been important. Suzanne makes time for hobbies, social connections, and community involvement—reminders that life outside of work is just as important as the work itself.

Community connection remains central to Suzanne’s approach. In addition to her private practice, she continues to serve in community mental health and is exploring a new collaboration with the YMCA. She believes small businesses thrive when they support one another, whether through referrals, word-of-mouth, or simply showing up for each other’s services.

For Suzanne, the most rewarding part of owning a small business is the independence it allows. “There is no one above me dictating what I do and how I do it,” she explains. “I have freedom, flexibility, and independence.” Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her offerings to include adolescents, couples, and group therapy. Having recently become certified as a Clinical Supervisor, she also plans to grow that side of her work in the near future.

To anyone considering starting their own business, Suzanne offers honest advice: “It is a lifestyle—a lot of work, effort, time, energy, commitment, and dedication. You frequently need to sacrifice your personal time for work, especially in the beginning. Having your own business is not a 9-5 situation. That being said, I think it’s worth it!”