Deborah Richardson, LCSW - Therapist in Tennessee

About Deborah

Deborah Richardson is a licensed clinical social worker with 45 years of experience who uses practical, down-to-earth therapy to support parents and individuals. She keeps conversations simple and focused, helping people sort through stress, grief, anxiety, and the everyday mess of family life. Deb aims to make therapy feel like a conversation with someone who listens and cares.

Her background includes a master’s degree in social work from The University of Tennessee and long experience across many settings.

Background and approach

She has worked in in-patient and out-patient care, nursing homes, group homes, and a prison. She also spent fifteen years in forensic psychiatry and many years in independent practice. Deborah draws from several approaches to match what a person needs.

She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to untangle thoughts and actions. She also brings acceptance and commitment strategies to help people clarify values and take small steps. Attachment-based ideas and client-centered listening shape how she builds trust.

Sessions may include music, writing, drawing, or simple exercises to notice feelings. Sometimes she reads a children’s story or discusses a show to open a conversation. Her style is warm, straightforward, and practical.

Deborah welcomes international clients and works in English. She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Costs vary with location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

If someone wants to begin, they follow the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Therapeutic approaches and online options for families

Deborah uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try practical changes in behavior. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and everyday stress because it teaches concrete skills for coping and problem solving.

She also draws on acceptance and commitment therapy, which focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small, meaningful actions even when feelings are hard. ACT can help when someone wants to live more in line with what matters to them despite worry or low mood.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. Deborah will talk with each person about goals and preferences, then try techniques that fit their situation. She adjusts methods over time so the work stays practical and relevant.

Online therapy makes this kind of work easier to fit into life. Video calls let people talk face-to-face from home, phone sessions offer a simpler option, and live chat or text-based messaging provide flexible ways to check in between sessions. These formats help parents and busy people maintain continuity and access support when they need it most.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can Deborah help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting issues, ADHD, bipolar, self esteem, and family problems among other concerns.

What is Deborah's therapy style like?

Her style is warm and down-to-earth, focusing on plain talk and practical exercises like writing, music, or stories to open conversation.

How long has Deborah practiced?

She brings 45 years of experience across settings including in-patient, out-patient, nursing homes, group homes, forensic psychiatry, and independent practice.

What are Deborah's credentials and where is she based?

Deborah is a LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tennessee LCSW 3405, and she is located in Tennessee.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs.

How are sessions billed?

Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; exact cost varies with location and therapist availability.

How do I start working with Deborah?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 45 years
Licensed: Tennessee
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Deborah

Takes a few minutes
Nothing to set up just to look
Stop at any point

Book with Deborah