Richard Goggin, LICSW

Richard Goggin is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of practice in Massachusetts. He helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and questions about life purpose. His approach is down-to-earth and direct, aimed at practical change rather than lengthy theory. He takes a person-centered stance in sessions, listening first to understand what matters most to each individual. He often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to spot unhelpful thinking and to build different habits that reduce distress. He also draws on existential ideas to help people find meaning when life feels empty or directionless. He combines clinical experience with time spent as a hospital chaplain and a high school athletic coach. That mix shapes a style that blends practical problem-solving, emotional support, and straightforward encouragement. Sessions tend to focus on concrete steps people can try between meetings. Richard works with many concerns beyond mood and anxiety, including parenting stress, career questions, compassion fatigue, ADHD, chronic illness and pain, and fatherhood issues. He also addresses topics such as codependency, forgiveness, and first responder stress. People who choose him can expect calm listening, targeted tools from CBT, and attention to personal values and meaning. He aims to help clients move from feeling stuck toward clearer choices and more manageable day-to-day routines.

How his approaches translate to online care

Richard often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice thought patterns and try different behaviors that reduce distress; this is useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. He also uses client-centered methods that focus on listening and building a trusting working relationship to support whatever issue a person brings. Existential ideas are used to talk about meaning, purpose, and values when life feels empty or confusing.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, adjusting the focus as progress is made. This is a shared process where feedback guides which tools are emphasized.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video supports a face-to-face feel, phone can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or live chat work well for brief check-ins or ongoing support between sessions. These options aim to give flexibility and regular contact that support steady progress.