(she/her)
Hi there! Welcome. My name is Dr. Richards and I have over 16 years of expert training and experience in the field of Education, Counseling & Psychology. I thoroughly enjoy providing mental health services to individuals and their families in need of treatment. Even when you’re feeling hopeless, stressed, or overwhelmed, those moments don’t last forever—they’re part of a season, not your whole story. With the right support, you can move through them. My goal is to help you gain clarity and direction so you can reach your full potential and reconnect with your purpose. Regardless of your past fears, setbacks, or self-doubt, change is always possible. I use Cognitive-Behavioral, DBT-informed, and interpersonal treatment approaches to tailor each session to your individual needs. I also administer screening tools as needed, to help better identify symptoms related to depression and anxiety. Together, we’ll build coping strategies that work for you, incorporating techniques such as poetry, music, art, movement, and writing according to your interest and needs. I’ll support you in identifying and working through negative, self-defeating thoughts and patterns that may be holding you back. In a safe, nonjudgmental space, we’ll work through challenges, strengthen self-compassion, and help you move forward with greater confidence and intention. For couples struggling, I help to identify root issues that negatively impact your relationship and incorporate evidenced-based resources to start the process of change in a practical healthy way.
We'll get to know a bit more about each other and what the process of therapy may look like, your goals for treatment at a comfortable pace in a safe environment. You are free to relax, be yourself and ask questions. I hope to make you smile at the end.
With years of experience spanning teaching, clinical practice, and research, I bring a depth of expertise in working with trauma survivors, individuals living with severe mental illness, and those navigating depression, anxiety, and significant life stressors. I am deeply committed to evidence-based approaches to care, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and have witnessed firsthand the meaningful, lasting improvements these treatments can bring to people’s lives.
I have expert experience working with adults and young professionals struggling with depression, anxiety, divorce, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, and individuals with self harm/suicidal behaviors. I've also supported those with aging issues, offered pre-marital & marital counseling, Christian counseling, helped those living with a new diagnosis, individuals struggling with having family members diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. Including teaching new coping skills, and guiding high school/college students with career counseling. I look forward to meeting you!
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I've found that Dialectical Behavior Therapy has proven effective in helping people build practical skills to manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. Instead of focusing only on insight, it teaches concrete strategies for staying present, tolerating distress without making situations worse, and communicating needs more effectively. In a safe environment my clients find that DBT increases their sense of control and stability, making it easier to navigate stressful situations, handle conflict, and make decisions that align with their long-term goals. Patients speak of overall greater emotional balance, stronger relationships, and a more consistent sense of well-being. Patients enjoy these components as they see the unbelievable impact on their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In a safe space created in collaboration with my clients patients freely express the thoughts that affect their lives. I teach and encourage goal-oriented methods to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other—and how changing one can shift the others. In sessions, CBT skills are used to challenge and reframe those thoughts into more balanced, realistic ones. At the same time, clients are guided on building healthier routines, or testing beliefs through real-life exercises. Patients with anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors and conflicting relationships have expressed relieve and progress as never never experienced.