Meet Richara Shepperson-Turner, a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker, committed to guiding teens and young adults through life's challenges. Richara earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she cultivated a deep understanding of human behavior and
therapeutic interventions. With a passion for helping individuals navigate familial dynamics and break recurring patterns, Richara specializes in treating a range of mental health concerns. Her expertise includes Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, Depressive disorders, Trauma and Stress-related disorders, and Bipolar disorders. Richara's approach to therapy is holistic and integrative, blending various techniques and theoretical frameworks to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs. During sessions, she incorporates grounding exercises, meditation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, among others. Driven by a desire to foster healing and growth, Richara is dedicated to preserving the family unit by addressing individual and generational traumas. Through therapeutic skills and interventions, she aims to cultivate awareness, connectivity, empowerment, and lasting change in her clients' lives. With Richara, you can expect a supportive and collaborative environment where you can explore your challenges and work towards a brighter future.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the initial session, the therapist will establish a rapport with the client by conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. The client will articulate their presenting issues and concerns and elucidate their reasons for seeking therapy. A person-centered treatment plan will be collaboratively developed with the client, and the relevant therapeutic modalities will be introduced and explained.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to empower clients to view roadblocks and setbacks as stepping stones toward success. I take joy in identifying moments where clients have shown resilience through perseverance in the face of challenges. By highlighting these instances, I help clients draw on past strengths and develop new strategies, supporting them on their ongoing healing journey.
About Richara Turner
Address
4914 Fitzhugh Avenue, Richmond, VA, USA, Suite 100Appointments
Virtual & in-person
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced therapeutic approach that focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By addressing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, CBT helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies and achieve positive outcomes. Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, clients learn to challenge and reframe negative thoughts, leading to improved emotional regulation and a more balanced perspective on life's challenges. Overall, CBT empowers individuals to take an active role in their own mental health journey, fostering lasting change and greater well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach designed to help people find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives. This approach is effective because it’s respectful and empowering. It helps people tap into their own reasons for change, making the decision to change feel more personal and achievable. By focusing on their strengths and supporting their autonomy, it fosters a sense of ownership and confidence in their ability to change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage their emotions and improve their relationships. Think of it as a toolbox filled with skills to help you cope with tough situations, handle stress, and communicate better with others. DBT is effective because it combines acceptance and change. It acknowledges that your feelings are valid and teaches you practical skills to manage them. It’s particularly helpful for people with intense emotions, such as those with borderline personality disorder, but it can benefit anyone struggling with emotional regulation and relationship issues.
Gestalt
Gestalt therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people focus on the present moment and understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions in a more integrated way. It’s about becoming aware of what’s happening right now and how you interact with the world around you. The Empty Chair Technique is a popular exercise where you sit in front of an empty chair and imagine someone (or a part of yourself) sitting in it. You then have a conversation with that person or part. This helps you explore and express thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to articulate otherwise. Gestalt therapy is effective because it helps you become more aware of your immediate experiences and how they shape your behavior. By focusing on the present moment, you can identify patterns and issues that are affecting your well-being. This awareness can lead to meaningful insights and changes in how you think, feel, and act.
