Rate Richard "Rick" Feldman

Richard L. Feldman

Brief Clinical Bio

I have worked as a therapist since 1993. I spent 25 of those years working with adult women and men and the other 4 years working with adolescents. I not only provided therapy but, for many years, supervised therapists as well. I have had the unique opportunity to work with clients with a wide variety of disorders and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many of the clients I have worked with have struggled with anxiety and depression secondary to childhood abuse and/or neglect. Others have disorders that are very resistant to change such as Personality Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have also worked with clients who have struggled with substance use disorders, which have made managing their mental health symptoms much more difficult. One of my strengths, in fact, my biggest strength, is my ability to connect with clients and establish and maintain rapport throughout the therapeutic relationship. I would describe my therapy style as cognitive-behavioral. I am very skilled at helping clients understand thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that are exacerbating their symptoms and inconsistent with their life goals and then working towards positive change. Regardless of style though, I understand that it is the quality of the therapeutic relationship that is the impetus for change. I first fully understood the importance of the therapeutic relationship during the 4 years I worked with adolescents in the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. When clients feel supported and know that their therapist’s concern for them is genuine, they are able to take advantage of therapy and use it as a tool to improve their life. Without a strong therapeutic relationship between client and therapist the skills and knowledge of the therapist are meaningless.