Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson , LCMHC

Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson, who commonly goes by Dr. Nancy, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in Vermont with ten years of professional experience supporting people affected by trauma, substance use, and a wide range of mental health challenges. She holds a master's degree in psychology with a concentration in counseling and a research-based Ph.D. in psychology focused on addiction. Her doctoral research examined recovery after medication-assisted treatment and contributed to an emerging theory about long-term opioid recovery without ongoing medication. In addition to the LCMHC credential, she is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) and has completed specialized trainings including EMDR therapy and Dr. Gottman’s Loving Couples and Loving Children programs.

Dr. Nancy combines evidence-informed techniques with psychoeducation about how trauma affects the brain, helping people make sense of patterns and behaviors that keep them stuck. She often helps clients identify the past "hooks" that maintain unhelpful reactions and guides them toward practical changes and clearer goals. Her clinical interests include addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, parenting, ADHD, grief, mood disorders, and many related concerns.

Raised in a Portuguese community in Rhode Island and a Vermont resident for nearly 30 years, she brings both professional expertise and personal warmth to her work. She received the 2012 Victim Activist of the Year Award for her efforts in intimate partner violence advocacy and views the role of therapist as a privilege. Dr. Nancy regards healing as a collaborative process and looks forward to supporting people as they move forward.

Approaches for Online Healing and Practical Support

Dr. Nancy offers several evidence-informed approaches in her online practice to address trauma, addiction, mood concerns, and relationship struggles. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and creating a respectful space so clients can explore values, choices, and personal goals; it is useful for self-esteem, relationship concerns, and navigating life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and problematic coping, making it practical for symptom management and relapse prevention. EMDR therapy is a trauma-focused method that guides clients to reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact, which can support recovery from traumatic events and long-standing triggers.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Nancy works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and together they decide which methods to try and how to adapt them for online sessions.

Online therapy with a licensed professional provides flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make scheduling easier, allow continuity of care from different locations, and let clients use the communication style that fits them best while working toward meaningful changes.