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RW Portrait of Richard Watson

Richard Watson

Compassionate, evidence-based guidance for change

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About Richard

Richard Watson brings nine years of clinical experience to his practice, combining evidence-based strategies with a trauma-informed perspective to help people navigate mood disorders, substance use concerns, and a wide range of life stresses.

Background and approach

He emphasizes collaboration and empowers clients to identify personally meaningful goals while learning skills to manage anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, grief, sleep difficulties, ADHD, and other challenges. Richard holds an LCPC credential and practices from Illinois, offering services in English and accepting international clients.

Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, he helps clients notice and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, cultivate present-moment awareness, and clarify values to guide behavior change. He also uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques when appropriate to support readiness and practical problem solving.

Richard sees therapy as a process that can be uncomfortable at times but believes leaning into that discomfort is often part of meaningful growth. Clients who choose his approach can expect a careful, respectful engagement that honors differences in background and resilience, and that encourages authentic dialogue about difficult emotions and life transitions.

He aims to foster increased self-understanding, stronger coping skills, and clearer direction toward a more balanced life.

Evidence-Based Approaches Delivered Online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and take action toward what matters most while learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than fight them. This approach can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions where greater focus on values and committed action can reduce suffering.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that maintain distress. CBT is often used for anxiety, mood disorders, sleep difficulties, and many everyday challenges by teaching concrete skills for symptom reduction and problem solving.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailor techniques from ACT, CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, or solution-focused methods as appropriate. Together they will adjust direction over time to ensure the work fits the client’s life and priorities.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing people to access licensed professionals from different locations and schedules. These formats make it easier to maintain consistent care, practice skills between sessions, and integrate therapeutic strategies into daily routines while accommodating varied personal and geographic circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he commonly address?
Richard works with a broad set of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, family and intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and ADHD among others.
What is his therapeutic style and approach?
He uses a trauma-informed, collaborative style rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with occasional use of motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has nine years of professional practice working with mood disorders, substance use concerns, and related challenges.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds an LCPC credential and practices from Illinois; his credential is documented as IL LCPC 180013962.
Does he work with clients who live outside the United States?
Yes, he accepts international clients and provides services in English to people located outside the U.S.
In what session formats can clients meet with him?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost depend on?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
9 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English