PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

RW Portrait of Richard Watson
Online therapist

Richard Watson

Thoughtful, practical therapy for life challenges

Book with Richard
Credentials
LCPC
Experience
9 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Richard

Richard Watson is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who centers his work on cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches. He describes therapy as a team effort where the person in treatment is the expert on their life. He aims to create honest conversations that help people notice unhelpful patterns, try different responses, and move toward what matters to them.

He uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy as core tools.

Background and approach

Sessions often focus on identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, then practicing small, manageable changes. He also draws on techniques from motivational interviewing and solution-focused work when they fit the situation. Richard has nine years of clinical experience and works with concerns such as mood disorders, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, sleep problems, and self-esteem.

He also addresses related issues like caregiver stress, communication problems, codependency, and struggles with control and impulsivity. He works from a trauma-informed perspective and respects each person’s background and resilience. Sessions are offered in English and are available to clients in Illinois and internationally.

Richard holds an Illinois LCPC (IL LCPC 180013962). Practical steps in therapy include setting goals together, trying specific techniques in daily life, and reviewing what helps and what does not. He recognizes asking for help can feel hard.

He encourages straightforward conversation, steady effort, and small steps toward greater balance and meaning.

Approach-focused care you can access online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take action toward them, even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings show up. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches concrete skills to notice and change thinking and behavioral patterns that contribute to distress. It often helps with mood problems, sleep issues, and obsessive or compulsive habits. Mindfulness Therapy trains simple attention and awareness skills to reduce reactivity and improve emotional balance, which supports coping with stress and trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Richard takes a collaborative stance and will help figure out which methods fit a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Techniques can be adjusted over time based on what is most helpful for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around family and work commitments and to continue progress between sessions. Licensed professionals can use these formats to teach skills, review homework, and support steady change without requiring travel.

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.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
He helps with mood and anxiety problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, self-esteem, and related difficulties such as caregiver stress, codependency, and communication problems.
What is his therapy style like?
His approach is practical and collaborative, using cognitive, mindfulness, and acceptance-based methods to identify unhelpful patterns and try new ways of responding.
What kind of experience does he have?
He has nine years of clinical experience working with mood disorders, addiction concerns, trauma-informed care, and other behavioral health issues.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is licensed in Illinois as an LCPC with license number IL LCPC 180013962 and practices with that credential.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
9 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Richard

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Richard