Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson , LCMHC

Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson, who often goes by Dr. Nancy, blends scholarly training and practical experience to support people working through trauma, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. She approaches healing with the belief that most people have the capacity to recover and move forward, and she is driven by a long-standing commitment to assist others on that path.

Her academic background includes a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in counseling and a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in addiction; the Ph.D. was research based. Her research on successful recovery after medication-assisted treatment (MAT) contributed to an emerging theory about MAT as an aid to long-term opioid recovery without ongoing medication. She holds the credential LCMHC, which stands for licensed clinical mental health counselor, and is also a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC). In addition, she has training certifications in EMDR therapy and in Dr. Gottman’s Loving Couple’s, Loving Children approaches.

Dr. Nancy often includes psychoeducation about the brain and trauma to help people understand why patterns persist and to identify the “hooks” from the past that keep them stuck. She has been recognized for her work in intimate partner violence, receiving the 2012 Victim Activist of the Year Award. Raised in a largely Portuguese community in Rhode Island, she has lived in Vermont for nearly 30 years, has traveled widely, and is navigating the transition to an emptier household as her youngest children become teenagers. She considers it a privilege to support people through healing and looks forward to being part of that work.

Approaches for Online Healing and Growth

Dr. Nancy integrates several evidence-informed approaches to address a range of concerns in online care. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens closely and follows the client’s lead - this approach supports work on self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors by using practical strategies and skill-building; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with coping. EMDR therapy offers a structured method to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact, which can be helpful for trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Nancy works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to determine which methods best match each person’s needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process may combine elements from different approaches as sessions progress.

Online therapy with Dr. Nancy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options can make it easier to attend sessions from home or while managing work, family, or other responsibilities, and they support consistent, ongoing access to therapeutic care.