Therapist Laurie Richardson Photo

Laurie Richardson, LMFT

Relationships Grief Parenting issues Self esteem, Motivation Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

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

5yrs in practice
Relationships Grief Parenting issues Self esteem, Motivation Coping 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

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

CA LMFT 132096

Reviews

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.

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