- Men's wellbeing focus
- Practical coping strategies
- 25 years experience
About Richard
Richard Sumner is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Virginia with 25 years of professional experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and the challenges that come with life changes. He also works with issues related to aging, substance use, mood problems, midlife transitions, men’s concerns, and self-harm. Richard emphasizes practical support and respectful listening in sessions.
He approaches clients as the experts in their own lives and looks for strengths to build on. Conversations are straightforward and goal oriented. Richard helps people name the problems that feel biggest, set small steps, and practice new habits that fit day-to-day life.
Many people come for help with motivation, confidence, and feeling stuck during change. Richard can help unpack what’s driving those patterns and try different ways of coping. He focuses on realistic, manageable actions rather than long lectures or jargon.
Richard aims to provide steady support while people test new skills and track progress. He encourages honest feedback about what is or isn’t working so plans can be adjusted. The work is collaborative and paced to each person’s readiness.
If you want a practical approach to reduce stress, manage mood, or face a midlife shift, Richard offers a calm, direct style. To start, follow the site’s process to get matched and schedule a first conversation.
Approaches and what online therapy can look like
Richard practices evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different ways of thinking and behaving to reduce anxiety and low mood. This method breaks problems into small parts and teaches concrete skills to use day to day.Another approach emphasizes building routines and gradual actions to boost motivation and self-esteem. It focuses on setting realistic goals, tracking small wins, and adjusting steps when something isn’t working. These techniques often suit people facing midlife shifts, stress, or changes tied to aging and substance use recovery.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That plan can change as progress is made, with honest check-ins about what helps.
For practicalities, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Talk with the therapist about which scheduling pattern and session length will best fit everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include aging and geriatric issues, substance use, men’s issues, midlife crisis, mood disorders, and self-harm.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses straightforward, practical conversations that emphasize strengths and small steps. Sessions focus on identifying problems, trying doable changes, and adjusting plans based on what helps.
How long has he practiced?
He has 25 years of professional experience working in social work and behavioral health settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and he is licensed in Virginia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.