5 therapists in Virginia matching your needs

My name is Stacy Richardson. I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology from North Central University as well as a Master's in Human Services with Specialization in Marital, Couples, and Family from Capella University. I am licensed in the states of California, Hawaii, and Virginia. My approach to therapy is solution-focused, client-centered, and eclectic to meet the individual needs of clients. I work with teens, couples, adults 18+, and older adults using approaches such as Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, structural, and narrative therapy.

I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples, families, and groups on diverse issues (e.g., life changes and day-to-day experiences, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, psychosomatic, gender issues, LGTBQ+ issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, personality, disruptive behaviors, and so much more). I have certifications in working with clients who have experienced trauma and have extensive crisis training.

My work as a psychotherapist is rooted in a profound belief that by recognizing and honoring our complex, messy life stories with honesty and gentleness, we lay the foundation to heal the obstacles preventing us from building fulfilling, meaningful lives. Throughout life, we all create narratives about ourselves to help us survive. These narratives are shaped by myriad factors (individual life experiences, relationships, intergenerational legacies, and experiences of oppression/privilege, belonging/rejection, among others). Over time, our narratives and coping mechanisms fall short. We wonder, what went wrong? What's wrong with me?

I have worked in the mental health field for 18 years helping people to discover the best and highest expression of themselves once they are free from destructive hurts, habits and hang-ups. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's in Social Work, Masters in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Theology. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and Drug/Alcohol Counselor.

People can make better decisions if they have enough information and understanding about how counseling works. Here are some aspects of counseling and therapy as I perceive and practice it: Therapeutic counseling requires your active involvement including efforts to change any self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will be asked to work both in and out of the therapeutic counseling sessions. I may occasionally request that you do “homework” (ok-not a formal request because life happens and inevitably it will be that you have life duties to attend to but maybe jotting things down or making notes for yourself kind of homework) by way of providing you with further reinforcement to concepts discussed in session or simply to prompt further insight and self- exploration. There are no instant, painless, or passive cures, no “magic pills”. Instead, there will be ongoing personal and spiritual growth that can occur with your conscious effort. Most likely, you will need to work on improving stress management, cognitions (e.g. beliefs and thought processes), emotional health, relationships, and your general lifestyle if counseling is to be successful. Sometimes change will be relatively easy but more often change takes much effort, time, and persistence. My hope for you is that you grow into your best self in the present and that that allows you to be your best version for your future. Therapy is about YOU and your needs. I specialize in trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders and am an LGBTQ++ ally and kink-aware professional.