Richard Newsom, LISW

Richard Newsom is a licensed independent social worker who supports people dealing with addiction, trauma, anger, depression, and major life changes. He writes and listens with respect and compassion. He focuses on helping people find practical ways forward when problems feel overwhelming.

He uses straightforward conversations to tailor a plan to each person. Sessions focus on concrete steps and skills to manage emotions and behaviors. He centers the person's goals and adjusts the work as needs change.

Richard draws on cognitive behavioral approaches to help identify unhelpful thoughts and swap them for more useful responses. He also uses client-centered methods that emphasize an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship and cooperative problem solving.

Over nine years of practice in Ohio have included work with addictions, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, and issues like isolation, impulsivity, and guilt. He also has experience with adoption and foster care concerns, aging and geriatric issues, first responder stress, and communication problems.

Sessions are conducted in English and can address specific problems such as process addictions, seasonal affective disorder, self-harm thinking, or struggles around life purpose. Richard aims to help people make steady progress with clear, manageable steps and ongoing support.

How CBT and Client-Centered Work Online

Richard commonly uses cognitive behavioral methods to help people spot unhelpful thought patterns and try new ways of thinking and behaving. CBT focuses on small, practical experiments and skills that address problems like depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma symptoms. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and making the conversations feel collaborative and respectful. That approach helps people feel heard and have more say in their goals and pace of work.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to emphasize CBT exercises, client-centered support, or a mix of both as the work progresses.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for deeper conversations that benefit from visual cues. Phone sessions can fit into a short break or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging can work for quick check-ins, homework review, or ongoing coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to work around schedules and keep continuity as needs change.