Laurie Richardson , LMFT

Laurie Richardson, LMFT, brings a multifaceted background to her therapeutic work, blending decades of creative and educational experience with clinical training. After returning to graduate school at midlife, she built a path that included study at UCLA, San Jose State, Sacramento State, a Waldorf training college, and the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Before becoming a therapist she was 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. Laurie uses the letters LMFT to indicate she is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a credential that reflects clinical training in relational and systemic approaches.

She describes therapy as an act of listening and an ongoing humility when someone opens their heart. Laurie tailors treatment to the individual in front of her, drawing on client-centered principles that assume people know themselves best when given the right tools and perspectives. She also incorporates expressive arts into the healing process - including poetry, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, cooking, and eco-art - using creative work as an additional way to explore and mark change.

Her style is sensitive and empathetic, balanced with thoughtful questioning. Sessions often include interactive games, art, laughter, meditation, and moments of breakthrough and tears. People tell her they leave feeling happier, lighter, clearer, and understood. Laurie meets clients via telehealth or in-person and aims to be fully present, listening, supporting, acknowledging, and helping people move forward into their next chapter. She looks forward to connecting with new clients.

Approach-Focused Care Offered Online

Laurie Richardson draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client's experience guides the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration and helps with relationship issues, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions by supporting clients to find their own solutions.

She also uses mindfulness therapy, which introduces simple attention and breathing practices to help people manage stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and emotional reactivity. Mindfulness techniques help clients notice patterns and increase calm in daily life.

In addition, solution-focused therapy appears in her practice as a pragmatic way to identify small, achievable steps toward change. This approach is useful for clients seeking concrete progress with goals like coping strategies, parenting challenges, or improving communication.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Laurie works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to schedule care around work, family, and geographic constraints. These formats provide flexibility and accessibility while allowing licensed professionals to deliver consistent, relationship-focused treatment.