Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson , LCMHC

Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson, who often goes by Dr. Nancy, is a Vermont-based psychologist with a sustained focus on trauma, addiction, and related mental health challenges. She holds a master's degree in psychology with a concentration in counseling and a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in addiction; her doctoral work was research-based and produced an emerging theory on medication-assisted treatment as an aid to long-term opioid recovery without ongoing medication. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), she blends clinical training with practical experience to support people navigating substance use disorders, trauma, relationship difficulties, and mood concerns.

Dr. Nancy maintains several clinical certifications, including training in EMDR therapy and Dr. Gottman’s approaches for couples and children, and she often brings psychoeducation about the brain and trauma into sessions to help clients understand persistent patterns and triggers. Her practice emphasizes identifying the “hooks” from the past that impede healing and fostering strategies that help individuals move forward. She has been recognized for her advocacy work, receiving the 2012 Victim Activist of the Year Award for her contributions in the field of intimate partner violence.

Originally from a Portuguese community in Rhode Island, she has lived in Vermont for nearly 30 years. She and her family enjoy travel, and she has visited 49 of the 50 states. She describes the work of helping people heal as a privilege and approaches each therapeutic relationship with respect, curiosity, and a commitment to practical, evidence-informed care.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client's own experiences and strengths, creating a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where a therapist listens closely and helps individuals discover their own solutions; this approach is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, offering practical tools for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-informed method often used for trauma and painful memories, guiding clients through structured processing to reduce the emotional charge of past events.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Nancy works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors treatment plans, combining techniques when appropriate, and reviews progress together so adjustments can be made over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make consistent care easier to maintain around work, family, and travel. For many people, virtual sessions expand access to licensed professionals and allow therapy to be integrated into daily life with fewer logistical barriers.