Richard Watson

Richard Watson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who uses Trauma-Focused Therapy alongside practical, evidence-based methods. He emphasizes a collaborative relationship where the client’s experience guides the work. He frames therapy as a process of empowerment and honest effort toward clearer thinking and healthier behavior.

Richard focuses on mood concerns like anxiety and depression and on substance use issues. He helps people name unhelpful thoughts, try new ways of coping, and practice skills that change daily habits. He acknowledges that therapy can feel uncomfortable and asks people to be ready to lean into that discomfort when needed.

His regular approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-informed CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Those methods are used to spot patterns, reduce unhelpful reactions, and increase actions that match a person’s values. He also draws on Motivational Interviewing to support change when people are unsure about next steps.

Richard has nine years of clinical experience and works with a wide range of concerns such as stress, addictions, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, ADHD, and anger. He also addresses caregiver strain, codependency, communication problems, and issues like isolation and life purpose.

He practices in Illinois and holds an IL LCPC credential. Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on the available times.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Trauma-Focused Therapy in his practice centers on honoring each person’s life experience while helping them make sense of painful memories and reactions. The work often focuses on grounding, pacing, and learning new ways to respond to triggers rather than avoiding them.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is presented as practical work about values and action. It helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, make room for difficult feelings, and take small steps toward what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and change thinking and behavior patterns that keep problems going, such as anxiety or low mood.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how methods fit the person’s situation, then adjust strategies over time. Clients help set the pace and focus of sessions so the work stays relevant to daily life.

The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online work helps them fit sessions into a busy day, reduces travel time, and makes it easier to keep regular appointments. Some formats allow shorter check-ins or phone-only conversations when that better suits practical needs.