Having returned to grad school to become a therapist at the midpoint of my life, I bring a wealth of knowledge from being a parent, a preschool teacher, a 7th grade Waldorf teacher, an art instructor, a graphic designer and copyrighter, and an art consultant for over 20 years. My school trajectory took me from UCLA to San Jose State to Sac State, a Waldorf training college and finally to San Francisco's CIIS.
As I've entered the field of being a therapist, what I've learned is that the act of becoming a therapist means you are a good listener and humbled each time a human being opens their heart to you. To that end, I work diligently to understand and tailor each treatment I design to work specifically with the client in front of me. I relish the empathy and dignity of Person-Centered Therapy because I firmly believe that each person knows themselves best and can apply what they learn when they are given the tools and perspective to see solutions within the framework of the very problems they brought to therapy in the first place. Being an EXA therapist means that I employ the Expressive Arts (poetry, rap, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, and cooking, and eco-art) into the healing process. The art becomes another tool and a living testament to the fact that healing is happening. My style of therapy focuses upon being sensitive, empathetic with a healthy dash of questions. My sessions are usually filled with interactive games, art, laughter, meditation and yes, breakthroughs and tears - all the range of possible human expression. People tell me they come away from their session feeling happier, lighter, clearer and understood. I have great compassion for the people I see, whether via telehealth or in-person. My goal is to be fully present, listening, supporting, acknowledging and empowering you forward, however that next chapter appears.
Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
Professional experience
5 yrs in practice
RelationshipsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem, MotivationCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Depression, Coaching, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Women's issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Laurie Richardson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Great listener and therapist. She has a lot of experiences and knowledge to share.
Written on Nov 14, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues
Laurie is very thoughtful and always pays close attention to my needs. I never felt uncomfortable sharing my thoughts or my feelings with her and she is someone that I would like to talk to in the future if something came up, thank you Laurie. We’ll be in touch.
Written on Nov 13, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and self esteem
Laurie recognized quickly the type of support and engagement that works for me. Listens attentively and has a positivity that is genuine and inspired more hopefulness in me. I never feel like I’m being told to do something, always encouraged. I appreciate her patience with me, and respect for the pace I’m comfortable with going in my journey.
Written on Nov 08, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Very good listener. Empathetic and goves good advice.
Written on Nov 04, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I genuinely enjoy talking to Laurie. She understands my concerns and is always listening. I can’t praise her enough for being so amazing!
Written on Oct 19, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 years and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Just nice to talk to someone who has become a friend.
Written on Sep 20, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 years and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Laurie is a wonderful compassionate therapist and I highly recommend her
Written on Aug 08, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 years and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Laurie is kind, professional and very intelligent. She builds trust which is important
Written on Jul 16, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and grief
Laurie Richardson is the first therapist I have met that listens to what I say and offers advice based on the discussion.
Written on Jul 10, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
She’s amazing and provides many ways to help
Written on Jul 07, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Laurie takes the time to understand, and find multiple ways and options to best suit you. It doesn’t seem like she does this because she’s paid to, it seems like she is genuine, and enjoys helping bring out the best in people. I would recommend 100/10 times! She’s awesome!
Written on Apr 05, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Very kind and caring. Helps deal with my problems in various ways pulling from many different tools and areas. You can tell she has your best interests at heart.
Written on Mar 05, 2025 after therapy with Laurie for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Great person, helpful, knowledgeable and professional! I would highly recommend scheduling with Laurie.
Written on Sep 05, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She's amazing. Friendly, smart, great advice deep empathy, and just seems to really "get you." 10/10 would recommend.
Written on Aug 13, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
Laurie is very kind and approachable and during our sessions was a good listener and provided helpful insights and strategies. I’ve really loved working with Laurie!
Written on Jul 04, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
The best
Written on May 03, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I’ve never trusted Or was confident in a therapy. But she has helped me very much in a short time and is very understanding and supportive. I highly recommend Laurie.
Written on Apr 24, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Laurie is an attentive and caring in the most professional and humane way. I am grateful to have the chance to work with her.
Written on Apr 02, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 5 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Laurie has the gift, the soul and deep intelligence to listen and help me get a handle on what has been around for a long time and also to deal with new issues that are arising. I always feel seen and heard, never rushed, I like how I feel after my sessions.
Written on Jan 04, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Wow. Just Wow. A beautiful listener and a trustworthy confidant. I Acknowledge her insight to Family and suggesting writing rather than a phone call. the caring and compassion she brings to the conversation is priceless.
Written on Dec 11, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coaching, and adhd
I love my weekly chats with Laurie, she brings the understanding and perspectives that I’ve been looking by for.
Written on Dec 04, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Going through the toughest part of my life and I truly feel a big change just in a matter of a few weeks already with Laurie.
Written on Nov 06, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is very welcoming and personable. Makes it easy to talk to, she most certainly listens to you and wants to understand and help you.
Written on Oct 30, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Laurie is a fantastic listener with open eyes and asks probing yet funny questions. I feel very supported and love her extra art forms she introduces into the sessions.
Written on Oct 20, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is AMAZING!
Written on Oct 12, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Truly cares about others in a way that hasn't been seen in many other psychological professionals
Written on Oct 10, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
She really listened and had my back, she open my eyes to many things, thank you
Written on Oct 01, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She is so caring and loving and has this amazing energy about her where you feel seen, heard and respected. I love her!
Written on Sep 04, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Laurie has a wealth of experience with narcissistic abuse and narcissistic family systems. Her knowledge and experience has supported me on my therapeutic journey to peace and moving forward. I would highly recommend her services and the support system of BetterHelp.
Written on Jul 30, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders
Laurie’s support during a difficult time in my life was essential for my emotional well-being. We used a few fun, artful methods that brought me clarity and comfort. I really appreciate her help and would highly recommend her to others.
Written on May 20, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Laurie has been wonderful to work with. She listens, explains and suggests ways to assist me in working through my concerns.
Written on May 19, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
I've been working with Laurie for a couple of months now, I was a little hesitant at first trying out therapy again due to having bad experiences in the past, but she supports me in every way that she can. She is great.
Written on May 18, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Laurie is such a wonderful human being! She really listened to what I needed and helped me work through all the things that I needed to talk about. She was able to lead me through discussions in a way that made me feel heard and understood. I highly recommend Laurie to anyone who is looking for therapy and really needs a good listener!
Written on May 03, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Laurie,
Is extremely caring and supportive she is wonderful
Written on Mar 28, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Laurie has been extremely helpful during my very complicated life over that last 6 months. She has provided a safe, non judgemental space for me to talk and I really feel more at peace especially after the meditations she has offered. She has been flexible with scheduling appointments and quickly responds to messages. I look forward to our weekly sessions and I appreciate knowing she is there when I need help.
Written on Mar 23, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Laurie was a phenomenal therapist. She makes you feel seen and heard, but she also helped me process a traumatic event that I found myself avoiding for years. She helped me with providing resources on not only bettering myself, but just finding myself and loving me for who I am today. I could not recommend her enough, if you’re lucky enough to have her in your corner as a therapist - I truly believe you will get through whatever you’re going through.
Written on Mar 16, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I feel at ease with Laurie Richardson. She is respectful and encourages me to be myself. She has experience and training in knowledge and methods that I prefer.
Written on Feb 09, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 1 month on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Thoughtful and encouraging
Written on Jan 25, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
Laurie is an outstanding therapist. She listens, pushes the communication forward, and focuses on your strengths. Laurie is “real.” I appreciate her expert insight. I am not an easy person and she gives the space to be myself and then centers my thoughts. She is the best therapist I have ever spoken to in my 53 years.
Written on Jan 16, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
Laurie is… a breath of fresh air, a nice break from the mundane. I have been doing so much work but Laurie was the one that helped me piece it all together. She’s such a warm soul it’s a nice change up from what we’re all used to in life. Honestly you’re a damn fool to not hire her. She goes above and beyond even if it’s not in her job description. You will never find a more genuine, humble, empathetic soul.
Written on Jan 14, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes
Laurie and I have been having regular sessions since August and I’m spite of my initial reservations about virtual sessions, Laurie very quickly built a strong rapport resulting in valuable and constructive counselling. She has supported me through various difficult life events including bereavement and my associated grief, various physical and mental health issues. I have made such progress under Laurie’s kind, compassionate yet challenging guidance and made such progress in a relatively short period of time in working to address various issues with addiction and relationships which I have been unable to deal with for years. I am under no illusion that I would not be in the place I am today both physically and mentally if it wasn’t for Laurie’s interventions. I cannot recommend her enough!
Written on Jan 12, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 5 months
She is very down to earth and non-judgmental which I love
Written on Jan 03, 2023 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
When I started Better Help I was really going through a lot. I honestly wasn’t sure it was going to be helpful. But thankfully I was paired with Laurie! She’s been so helpful, I’ve learned different ways to cope with my problems and she’s an amazing listener. She’s helped me gain my self-esteem back and learn a lot about my self. Laurie truly is amazing, welcoming, understanding, and most of all caring. 10/10 recommend!
Written on Dec 07, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Working with Laurie has been an excellent experience. She is creative and brings her personality forward, which helps encourage my own openness. Laurie is prompt in her responses and availability, and shows that she really cares. It felt like hanging out with a friend, complete with sharing stories, jokes, and being relaxed together. Sometimes that made it difficult to focus on what I was working through. With only 45 minutes per week, it's a tough balance between comfort and progress. Overall I would highly recommend Laurie, above all because of how much she cares.
Written on Dec 05, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
Laurie is kind, thoughtful, inquisitive and intelligent. She is very welcoming and warm and understanding as well as compassionate. I feel like she understands me and if she doesn’t she will seek clarification.
Written on Nov 29, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Laurie is wonderful. She was able to make me feel comfortable in our first session by sharing her experiences but also diving into mine.
Written on Oct 02, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Today is my second session therapy with Laurie and I feel so good talking to her; is like if I know her for a long time. I have gained self confidence to make different choices for myself. Laurie is the best. I learned that I have control in my life. This is excellent for me, God sent me an Angel in the most needed time.
Thank you Laurie!
Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adhd
I really think Laurie is accurate professional and humourous
Written on Sep 04, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Laurie holds space and brings a really beautiful sense of kindness and compassion. I end every session, regardless of how raw it may have been, feeling grateful, heard and a little more healed.
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 months on issues concerning self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Laurie is an experienced therapist with a breadth of knowledge
Written on Jul 13, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life cha
I was a little anxious about starting therapy, but knew it was a necessity in my life at the moment. Laurie was a good fit from the moment I read her profile and I look forward to interacting with her every day!
Written on Jul 07, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Couldn't be more grateful for a therapist like Laurie. Its so easy to talk to her. She really listens and I enjoy our conversations. So helpful for the grief and life changes I've been going through.
Written on Jun 09, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
I really enjoy my sessions!
Written on Jun 05, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Laurie has been incredibly understanding and helpful. She was able to find the root cause of my issues and provided a road map to help me overcome them. Highly recommend!!!
Written on Jun 02, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and sleeping disorders
First steps in therapy and Laurie makes it seamless. Excited to continue this work with her
Written on May 29, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She’s an awesome therapist who knows how to make the session fun and direct your thoughts in a positive direction rather than a negative one
Written on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Laurie is awesome! She’s a quick read and in just one session, she had me pegged. Bright, intuitive, highly creative, and very empathetic, she made some great observations of me. I feel comfortable working with her and sharing deep feelings and issues. Good therapists are not a dime a dozen. Laurie is a cut above the rest. Go see her!
Written on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Laurie understands and supports me in the best way. She is caring and thoughtful and genuinely concerned about my well-being. I love talking to her about literally everything. I would recommend her to anyone!
Written on May 20, 2022 after therapy with Laurie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
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