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- Stress and anxiety
- Self esteem work
- Life changes
About Richard
LCSW Richard Sumner is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia with 25 years of practice. He focuses on stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. He also works with aging and geriatric issues, drug and alcohol addiction, men’s issues, midlife crisis, mood disorders, and self-harm.
Richard frames clients as the experts on their own stories. He looks for strengths people already have and uses those strengths to address current problems. Sessions are practical and geared toward clearer choices and everyday steps rather than technical labels.
He helps people sort through feelings that get in the way of daily functioning. That can mean reducing anxiety that disrupts sleep, addressing low motivation, or finding ways to manage shifting roles in midlife or later life. He also offers support around substance use concerns and mood changes.
Richard emphasizes straightforward conversation and collaborative planning. He listens for what matters most and then works with the person to set small, doable goals. Progress is measured in what the client notices changing in day-to-day life.
With a long career in social work, he brings practical experience across a range of adult concerns. People who want a direct and skill-oriented approach will find the sessions focused on clear steps and repeated practice. To begin, follow the site's guidance to review online therapy options and schedule an initial meeting.
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Therapeutic approaches and how they translate to online work
Richard uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills. One common approach is problem-focused therapy that breaks larger issues into small, manageable tasks. This helps with anxiety, low motivation, and coping with life transitions by creating clear steps and short-term goals.Another approach is mood-focused work that examines patterns of thought and daily routines. This kind of work targets depression and mood disorders by identifying habits and testing small behavioral changes to see what improves mood and energy.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with the client to match methods to the client's goals, needs, and preferences. That means checking what works, adjusting strategies, and prioritizing interventions the client finds useful.
The biography does not list supported session formats, so confirm options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Discuss session length and scheduling during the matching and intake steps to find arrangements that fit everyday life.
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Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include aging and geriatric issues, drug and alcohol addiction, men’s issues, midlife crisis, mood disorders, and self-harm.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a practical, skills-oriented approach. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, setting small goals, and practicing changes in daily life.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 25 years of professional experience in social work and clinical practice.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Virginia and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled and how do I start?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.