- Client-centered approach
- Skills-based work
- Focus on relationships
About Claudia
Claudia Richards is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience in the District of Columbia. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and codependency. Claudia aims to make sessions practical and straightforward so busy parents and professionals can use the time to solve real problems.
Claudia uses a mix of strategies to meet each person where they are. She draws on client-centered work to follow what matters most to the person in the room. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and DBT skills to manage intense emotions.
Her practice pays attention to life changes like divorce, grief, workplace stress, and parenting challenges. She supports people dealing with addiction, compassion fatigue, ADHD-related struggles, and complex family dynamics related to adoption or blended households. Claudia also works with clients navigating identity questions and LGBT concerns.
In sessions she focuses on clear goals and steady progress. Conversations often include skill practice, problem-solving, and coaching on communication or boundaries. She encourages mindfulness tools to reduce rumination and improve daily coping.
Clients can expect a warm, nonjudgmental style that values practical steps. Claudia helps people build resilience and clearer next steps so they can move forward from periods of overwhelm.
How Claudia's approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on following the person's priorities. The therapist listens closely and shapes sessions around what the client wants to address, which helps with issues like relationship strain and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to shift them, useful for anxiety, depression, and codependency. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, offers concrete tools for managing strong emotions and improving communication, which can help with anger, stress, and relationship conflicts.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit, and adjust as needed so the approach matches the person's needs and preferences. This is a collaborative process rather than a fixed plan.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know the exact formats Claudia uses. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. Many people find remote sessions help them practice real-life skills between meetings and apply techniques directly to daily situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Claudia address?
She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, codependency, addictions, parenting stress, grief, and workplace challenges.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is warm and practical. She combines client-centered conversation with skill-building and goal setting to help people handle daily struggles.
How long has she practiced?
She brings 30 years of clinical experience to her work in the District of Columbia.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a DC LICSW, which stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and practices in the District of Columbia.
In what language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Claudia?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.