Jordan Richardson (He/They)

Much of my experience has been working with college students as they work through the transition into adulthood and everything that comes with it. I know that entering a new stage of life is overwhelming. Pulling on your strengths is key during these times. I am prepared to help identify them and what ways you can play to them as you work through transitioning to the next step in your journey.

In working with depression, I find the most important thing is meeting my clients where they are. Depression is an overwhelming experience for so many people. Having someone there with you can help clear the fog can help you begin to take steps forward. I will walk with you the entire way as we find ways for you to work yourself out of these feelings in the future.

One of my main approaches to working with anxiety is understanding that our anxiety is trying to tell us something. I want to help you learn what your anxiety is telling you then figure out what to do with that information. My goal is to help you develop a personalized set of skills to use in managing anxiety that relies on coping skills you already have, skills that I can teach you, and other forms of support that are available around you.

For me, counseling is built on the relationship that forms between client and counselor. Person-centered therapy focuses on using the therapeutic relationship to facilitate change. This requires an emphasis on non-judgment & compassion from the counselor and allowing clients to lead the direction of therapy. I believe that people will naturally work towards wellness over time. As a counselor, I see myself as a catalyst for facilitating that growth.

Having clear and achievable goals are important to any counseling work. Sometimes, you need to work on one specific issue that is really bothering you. SFBT focuses on approaching specific problems and using your strengths to solve them. I work with clients to identify clear goals, actionable steps towards that goal, then work through obstacles that come up along the way. I find this useful regardless of the time spent in counseling and clients often appreciate the focus it brings to sessions.

People exist with cultural contexts. We adopt norms and beliefs from our families, communities, and the world around us. As a counselor, I believe it is important for me to understand where my clients are coming from and how that informs their beliefs and decisions. Our cultural backgrounds even impact how we experience and express our emotions and thoughts which impact our mental health. Culture is an integral part of a person and thus needs to be a part of the therapeutic process.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, my heart has always desired to help others in my community navigate through life and self-understanding. With all my clients, I take the time to ensure that their identities are respected and heard. I have spent time professionally and personally exploring the spectrum of queer identities and the experiences of queer folks that I bring to every counseling session to help others engage in the same exploration.