Bridget Richardson
I’m a client centered therapist who works best with individuals feeling overwhelmed by life’s transitions, new diagnoses, caregiving stress, anxiety, depression, or uncertainty in relationships or career. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and make meaningful changes. I believe therapy should be a collaborative partnership where you feel empowered to set goals, make changes, and grow. I tailor each session to your unique needs using evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. CBT helps us identify cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns that affect daily functioning, while DBT supports trauma related work through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.
First session
The first session is simply a conversation. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, understood, and not rushed. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I’ll ask questions about your history, current stressors, and the patterns you’ve noticed in your life. You’re welcome to share only what you feel ready for there is no pressure to “tell everything right away." We’ll also discuss what therapy can look like for you, the approaches I use, and how we can shape sessions to fit your needs. Most clients leave the first session feeling relieved, grounded, and more hopeful because they finally have a space where they don’t have to carry everything alone. With individuals, I focus on helping you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they influence your daily functioning. We work on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you. With couples, the work centers on communication patterns, emotional safety, and understanding how each partner’s history influences the relationship. I help partners express needs more clearly, reduce conflict cycles, and rebuild trust or connection. The focus is on the relationship as a system, not on assigning blame. With families, I help members understand roles, boundaries, and communication styles. We explore how each person’s experiences shape the family dynamic and work toward healthier interactions. The goal is to strengthen connection, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved. Clients often leave sessions feeling heard, supported, and more grounded. Many describe feeling lighter because they finally have a space to process what they’ve been carrying. Others feel clearer about their next steps or more empowered to make changes. My style is steady, engaged, and collaborative, so clients typically walk away with a sense of direction, validation, and hope.
Strengths
In session, I’m steady, engaged, and collaborative. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and move toward the life you want. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply need someone to walk alongside you, I’m here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed by life’s transitions, whether it’s navigating a new diagnosis, managing caregiving stress, coping with anxiety or depression, or seeking clarity in their career or relationships. My approach is client centered. I believe therapy should be a supportive partnership where you feel empowered to set goals, make changes, and grow. I tailor each session to your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in understanding and changing patterns that impact their daily functioning. In my work with trauma, I incorporate DBT to help clients recognize distorted thoughts, interrupt maladaptive behaviors, and develop effective problem‑solving skills. DBT also allows clients to integrate mindfulness and emotional‑regulation strategies as they work toward greater stability and self‑awareness. I use CBT to help clients identify cognitive distortions, examine behavioral patterns, and understand how these cycles influence their mood, relationships, and overall functioning. Through structured, goal‑oriented interventions, clients learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, build healthier coping skills, and make meaningful changes in their daily lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- VirginiaLicense 0701015375