Laurie Richardson

Laurie Richardson began training as a therapist midlife after a varied career that includes parenting, preschool teaching, seventh grade Waldorf education, art instruction, graphic design and copywriting, and more than two decades as an art consultant. Her formal studies took her through UCLA, San Jose State, Sacramento State, a Waldorf training college, and the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.

She brings five years of clinical experience to her work and is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist, practicing with the LMFT credential. Laurie approaches therapy with a person-centered ethic, aiming to listen closely and design treatment that fits the individual in front of her. She values empathy and dignity, and believes clients have the inner knowledge to apply new tools and perspectives to the challenges they bring.

As an EXA therapist, Laurie incorporates Expressive Arts into the healing process - including poetry, rap, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, cooking, and eco-art. The creative work serves as an additional way for change to be seen and felt. Her style blends sensitivity and empathy with thoughtful questions, and sessions often include interactive exercises, art, meditation, laughter, and emotional breakthroughs.

Laurie works with people both in-person and via telehealth, offering compassionate support aimed at listening, acknowledging, and empowering clients as they move into their next chapter. She focuses on tailoring treatment for issues such as relationships, grief, parenting, self-esteem, coping with life changes, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, sleep disorders, anger management, depression, coaching, and ADHD.