My Approach To Counseling and Therapy

What's Your View Of People Who Come To Therapy?

I have great respect for people who choose therapy as a way to heal and grow, because I know how challenging life can be, and how for some people coming to therapy can feel scary in the beginning, even though I also know how wonderful it can be. Because I care about people, I’m very supportive and patient, and always have SOLUTIONS AND RESULTS as my top priority. Beginning with my CONFIDENTIAL INITIAL CONSULTATION AT NO CHARGE -- which we can do by phone or in my office -- and throughout our sessions together, I will approach you professionally with kindness, compassion, understanding, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard. Not only is this an important part of good therapy... it's also a big part of who I am as a counselor, therapist, and psychotherapist.

What Is Your Role As Therapist?

I play an important role in helping you heal and work past emotional wounds and limiting behaviors so you can cultivate health and well-being in ways that feel right to you. My job is to guide you toward a place within yourself where past disappointments, heartaches, and limiting issues are released in favor of healthier, more satisfying options as you work toward a happier, more fulfilling life. My job is also to help you find meaning, purpose, and inner peace, and to help you bring forth and develop important capacities that will enable you to live the kind of enjoyable life you've always wanted.

What Is Your Personality Like In Therapy Sessions?

As a therapist, I’m very professional, friendly, understanding, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I’m also very interactive because I see counseling and therapy as a collaborative partnership serving you and your therapeutic needs. In this way, I’m like a trusted guide and expert coach. My clients tend to really like my personality and energy, and tend to feel emotionally safe, well understood, and happy with their progress.

Therapy, Counseling,

And Psychotherapy for
Couples, Relationship,

Marriage, Marital,

Individual, Family,

Depression, Anxiety, and More.

Serving San Fernando Valley,

Encino, Tarzana,

Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys,

Studio City, Burbank,

North Hollywood, Glendale,

Woodland Hills,

Calabasas, Westlake,

Canoga Park, Northridge,

And Surrounding Areas

Brett Richards, M.A., MFT

Therapist, Counselor,

Psychotherapist

...

What Is Your Particular Style Of Conducting Therapy?

Because every person is unique, I listen very carefully to everything you say, and custom tailor therapy to your specific needs and goals. With my warm, friendly, interactive approach, we'll work together toward resolving your personal issues and cultivating the kind of happy, satisfying life you've always wanted. In the comforts of my peaceful office, located in Encino in the San Fernando Valley, our sessions will be SAFE, CARING, AND CONFIDENTIAL so you can freely express yourself. With my insight, understanding, and support, and my focus on SOLUTIONS AND RESULTS, we'll explore your feelings, thoughts, and behavior so you arrive at an open, clear level of awareness; identify your issues and strengths; and work to create positive, lasting changes in your life. I will also help you gain perspective on past experiences and current relationships, learn helpful skills for effective living, envision your hopes and dreams, and clarify meaningful goals for the future and how to pursue their accomplishment. Together, we'll start where you are today, build on what's healthy, identify and resolve your limiting issues, and nurture positive qualities to help unlock your potential for the kind of enjoyable life you deserve!

What Therapy Methods Do You Use?

To help you toward your goals, I use a combination of trusted professional therapy methods gently enhanced by eastern holistic wisdom, for a well-rounded, effective approach. My Professional Therapy Methods include Humanistic, Existential, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Family Systems, Couples Therapy, Guided Imagery, Relaxation, and Dream Work. Enhancing my ability to help you are my additional studies since 1992 in Eastern Philosophy and Holistic Health And Wellness, as well as my regular practice of Yoga and Meditation since 1997. In addition to methods and wisdom, which are very important, scientific research shows that the most important key to successful therapy is the connected, trusting therapeutic relationship that develops between client and therapist. This is why I place such high importance on supportive, understanding, customized care. Across the globe, there are many traditional and non-traditional approaches to life and therapy, each with their own value. Integrating the best of them into effective counseling and therapy services custom-tailored to your specific needs and goals is my top priority -- because helping you truly live a happier, more satisfying life is at the heart of who I am as counselor and therapist.

All images and content, Copyright © 2007-2008, Brett Richards, M.A., MFT, all rights reserved except where trademark and copyright is held by previous owner.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as psychotherapeutic advice, and should not be used as a substitute for
psychotherapeutic treatment with Brett Richards, M.A., MFT, or another qualified mental health professional.