Dr. Richardson offers teletherapy for clients that are currently in the state of Alaska.

Stephanie’s goal as a therapist is to work herself out of a job. She loves it when clients tell her that they feel better, and do not need to come anymore. She is committed to helping clients feel less depressed and anxious.

Stephanie has over 25 years of experience providing mental health therapy. She has a Doctorate Degree in Psychology and is a licensed professional counselor. She has worked in emergency psychiatry, residential treatment, and has been a provider at Willow Medical & Wellness since 2013. She loves working with teens and adults in individual, couple, and group therapy.

Stephanie specializes in treatment of marital issues, parent/child relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She also enjoys working with people to overcome their fear of flying and to improve self-confidence.

Dealing with situations out of your control such as a family member making  choices you disagree with or living in Alaska and struggling with the darkness and cold? Ask Stephanie about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It can give you options to improve your mood, even when your situation can’t, or won’t, change.

Wishing that past traumatic events didn’t impact today? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) may help. EMDR uses a natural process to successfully treat traumatic events. Ask Stephanie for more information about this treatment that’s validity and reliability have been established by rigorous research.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy focuses on emotional resource and identifying hope, rather than present problems and past causes. It is short-term and typically involves three to five appointments.

Stephanie is also trained in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for work with couples. The Gottman Method includes assessment of the relationship and integrates research-based interventions. Emotionally Focused Therapy is short-term and focuses on attachment, asking that question, “Are you there for me?”

Nervous About Your First Therapy Appointment? Often people are nervous because they don’t know what to expect. Here’s an overview — when you come to your first appointment, you will check-in with either Tanner, Kristina or Kammie. They are friendly and go out of their way to help clients feel welcome. They will have the standard medical office paperwork for you to complete. Stephanie starts appointments on time (95+% of the time). Her office is furnished with chairs and a couch. She will tell you about her philosophy of therapy, and asks what prompted you to schedule an appointment. She will ask questions, to understand the various dynamics you are dealing with. Do not feel like you need to have everything sorted out to explain it to her. It’s common for people to “just talk.” By the end of the appointment, she will have worked with you to identify a goal for therapy. She will also talk with you about some ways that she may work with you to reach that goal (a treatment plan). Similar to physical therapy, Stephanie may suggest an exercise for you to do before the next appointment. I’m afraid she will judge me, or think I’m crazy. Stephanie will respect you and knows that there are many different things that may be contributing to your current situation. It is likely complex…not crazy. I’m afraid to talk about painful experiences, or to disclose embarrassing issues. You do not need to share everything your first appointment. Take time to trust Stephanie. She will also provide you with tools to lower anxiety. You can then use them as you start to share painful, or embarrassing, experiences. I worry that she will want me to make changes that I’m not ready to make. Stephanie will offer you tools. You decide what you want to use, and when you want to use them. If you are unsure, talk with Stephanie about it. She will respect your uncertainty. What if I don’t click with her? People have different personalities. The first appointment is a great time to ask questions, but not feel committed to working with Stephanie. She wants you to have a therapist that you click with. If you don’t think it’s her, let her know. She can talk with you about what you’d like to be different, and can suggest other therapists in Anchorage who may be a better fit for you.