LCSW, 37 years of experience
Do you wake up worried about the day ahead before you even get out of bed? At work, are you scared of making mistakes, feeling like everyone’s waiting for you to mess up? When friends invite you out, do you say “yes” but feel nervous inside? At home, instead of relaxing, do you replay awkward moments, wondering what others think of you? If these anxious thoughts make you feel not good enough and exhaust you, you’re not alone. These feelings can undermine your confidence and affect your professional and personal relationships. I’m here to help you find relief and reclaim your sense of calm and control.
The first assessment session is designed to be a supportive and exploratory introduction to therapy. This session is all about creating a safe, welcoming environment where you can openly share what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. We’ll discuss your current concerns, whether they’re related to stress, relationships, past experiences, emotions, or general life challenges. I want to hear about what you’re going through in your own words, and there’s no need to go deeper than what feels comfortable at this stage. During this session, I’ll also ask questions to learn more about your background and experiences, such as significant events or relationships, personal history, any previous therapy you may have had, and even general aspects of your daily life that may impact your mental health, like work, hobbies, and routines. This helps us understand the larger context of your life, giving a fuller picture of where you are today. We’ll also discuss any patterns or themes you may have noticed in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—things like frequent worries, repeated stress triggers, or emotional responses that concern you. Understanding these patterns is key to identifying areas of focus, but there’s no pressure to have everything “figured out” right now. This session is more about gathering information to get a holistic view of your experiences. At the same time, this is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about therapy. I’ll explain my approach, whether that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, trauma-informed methods, or other techniques, so you know what to expect. You’ll also learn about the overall structure and pacing of sessions, so you can understand how we’ll move forward step-by-step. By the end of the assessment, we’ll have a sense of how we can work together toward your goals and whether my approach feels like a good fit for you. We may outline some initial objectives, but these are flexible and can evolve as therapy progresses. Ultimately, this first session is about building trust, ensuring you feel heard and respected, and setting the foundation for a therapeutic relationship that supports your journey toward healing and personal growth. This assessment session marks the beginning of a process tailored to your needs, one where you’re in control of the pace and depth, with the aim of creating a partnership that feels safe, comfortable, and genuinely supportive.
With 36 years of experience in private practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of clients, each bringing unique stories, strengths, and challenges. Over these years, I’ve learned not only what makes therapy successful but also how to create a space where real, lasting change can happen. I’m dedicated to truly listening—to hearing not just the words you say but understanding the emotions, concerns, and hopes behind them. I approach every session with openness, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude, offering a place where you can feel safe to explore any topic without fear. My commitment to trustworthiness means that what you share is always respected and protected, building a relationship that is supportive and secure. With optimism and genuine care, I help you navigate your goals, identifying and addressing any resistance to change that may be holding you back. Together, we work through obstacles with a direct and compassionate approach, so you can reach your goals more quickly and with clarity. My focus is always on helping you achieve meaningful progress and empowering you to make the changes you want to see in your life. In our work together, you’ll experience therapy that is guided by experience, rooted in empathy, and dedicated to fostering real growth in a safe and positive environment.
Your challenges are opportunities for growth and change. As a licensed therapist on the Grow Therapy platform, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to guide you in breaking negative thought patterns and addressing the root causes of your struggles. Together, we’ll build coping skills to navigate your difficulties, empowering you to create lasting change. Ready to transform your life? Let’s collaborate to build the life you deserve, filled with healthier relationships, confidence in your decisions, and personal peace. Our work will equip you with new skills and perspectives to reclaim your well-being and unlock the life you’ve always wanted. Reach out through the Grow Therapy platform to start your journey.
As a licensed therapist with 36 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the Grow Therapy platform, I specialize in helping clients from diverse backgrounds navigate and overcome mental health challenges. My deep expertise in CBT enables me to create personalized treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs, promoting meaningful personal growth and sustainable change.
As a licensed therapist with 36 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the Grow Therapy platform, I specialize in helping clients from diverse backgrounds navigate and overcome mental health challenges. My deep expertise in CBT enables me to create personalized treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs, promoting meaningful personal growth and sustainable change. Additionally, I incorporate Motivational Interviewing to empower clients on their journey toward positive change. By fostering a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, I help individuals explore their motivations, resolve ambivalence, and build the confidence needed to achieve their goals. This client-centered approach is instrumental in facilitating meaningful, self-directed progress.
As a licensed therapist with 36 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the Grow Therapy platform, I specialize in helping clients from diverse backgrounds navigate and overcome mental health challenges. My deep expertise in CBT, combined with a trauma-informed approach, allows me to create personalized treatment plans that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment. Trauma-informed CBT acknowledges the profound impact of trauma on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, providing practical tools to manage stress, reframe negative thoughts, and foster resilience. This approach supports clients in processing experiences at a comfortable pace, promoting self-compassion and healing, whether addressing recent or past trauma, to help regain a sense of control and connection. Additionally, I incorporate Motivational Interviewing to empower clients on their journey toward positive change. By fostering a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, I help individuals explore their motivations, resolve ambivalence, and build the confidence needed to achieve their goals. This client-centered approach is instrumental in facilitating meaningful, self-directed progress.
As a licensed therapist on the Grow Therapy platform, I offer Christian counseling that integrates psychological principles with spiritual guidance, providing a compassionate, faith-aligned approach. Rooted in biblical wisdom, this counseling creates a safe, non-judgmental space to explore personal, relational, or spiritual challenges. By blending evidence-based therapeutic tools with a faith-centered perspective, I help clients process difficulties, deepen their relationship with God, and discover purpose and peace. Christian counseling supports resilience, restores hope, and fosters healing, empowering clients to navigate life’s struggles with faith-guided growth.
As a licensed therapist on the Grow Therapy platform, I offer faith-based counseling that integrates psychological support with your spiritual values. This approach creates a safe, compassionate space to explore life’s challenges through a lens of faith, tailored to what matters most to you spiritually. By combining evidence-based therapeutic practices with your beliefs, I provide tools to foster healing, resilience, and personal growth. Faith-based counseling empowers you to find meaning, hope, and direction, helping you navigate personal, relational, or spiritual difficulties in alignment with your faith.
7 ratings with written reviews
June 14, 2025
I wanted to try talking with someone completely different from who I would normally be willing to talk to. I wanted a different experience and I got it. I didn’t feel as comfortable and I decided to go back to someone I connected with more. Richard seems knowledgeable and direct but I click more with someone that has more empathy and warmth. That’s why there’s someone for everyone. He is better suited to help a different personality than mine.
May 14, 2025
I’ve seen Richard for over two years and his help is invaluable. He doesn’t ever attempt to tell me how to think or feel, but rather walks me through sorting my own feelings and thoughts. I love that I receive homework; things to ponder before our next session. I can’t imagine living my life as it is now with everything going on without his support.
April 11, 2025
Very patient, easy to talk to , and knowledgeable