- Warm, goal focused
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Experience with trauma
About Richard
Richard West is a Washington licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with nine years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people who are coping with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, anger, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, parenting strains, self-esteem, career transitions, bipolar disorder, and other life changes.
He listens first and adapts the conversation to each person's needs. Sessions are built around clear goals and practical steps. Richard aims to offer respectful, sensitive, and compassionate support while helping people identify what matters most to them.
In session he uses approaches such as client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness. That mix lets him work on thoughts and behaviors, emotions and attachment patterns, and the meaning people find in difficult situations.
Richard also brings experience addressing more specific concerns like abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and communication or control problems. He draws on motivational interviewing when people want help with change and coaching-style support for practical next steps.
People who want to start are guided through a short matching questionnaire and scheduling process. Richard builds a plan based on what each person wants to work on and adjusts it as progress is made.
He listens first and adapts the conversation to each person's needs. Sessions are built around clear goals and practical steps. Richard aims to offer respectful, sensitive, and compassionate support while helping people identify what matters most to them.
In session he uses approaches such as client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness. That mix lets him work on thoughts and behaviors, emotions and attachment patterns, and the meaning people find in difficult situations.
Richard also brings experience addressing more specific concerns like abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and communication or control problems. He draws on motivational interviewing when people want help with change and coaching-style support for practical next steps.
People who want to start are guided through a short matching questionnaire and scheduling process. Richard builds a plan based on what each person wants to work on and adjusts it as progress is made.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoaching
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingInternal Family Systems
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Washington
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches fit with online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the person's lead. Online sessions can make it easier to keep that conversational, supportive style while working through what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and behaviors link to feelings and uses clear exercises and homework. That structure adapts well to remote work because tasks and check-ins can be assigned between meetings. Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) looks at feelings and attachment patterns in relationships and can be used to help people name and change unhelpful interaction cycles.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss needs, goals, and preferences and help decide which methods to prioritize. This is a collaborative process and plans are adjusted as progress is made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Many people find online therapy helps fit sessions into a busy week, allows a shorter check-in when needed, and reduces travel time. It can also make it simpler to keep momentum between appointments through assigned exercises and regular scheduling with a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Richard often address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He blends client-centered listening with practical methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, plus emotionally-focused and existential ideas when helpful.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has nine years of professional experience working with people on a wide range of mental health and life challenges.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) practicing in Washington.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.