Richard Sumner, LCSW

Richard Sumner is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of practice in Virginia. He focuses on everyday struggles like stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. He also helps people cope with major life changes and challenges that affect day-to-day functioning.

He starts from the view that each person knows their story best. He looks for strengths a person already has and helps them build on those resources. Sessions are meant to be collaborative and direct, with practical steps people can try between meetings.

Over his career he has worked with concerns related to mood, motivation, and confidence. He also has experience addressing issues tied to aging and geriatric changes, substance use, men’s life transitions, and midlife reassessment. He aims to help people notice patterns that hold them back and try new ways of responding.

Richard emphasizes small, achievable goals that add up over time. He provides steady support while encouraging people to take active steps toward change. His approach is straightforward and focused on what will make daily life more manageable.

People who choose him can expect a calm, practical conversation about what is getting in the way and what might help next. He assists with planning workable changes and with building confidence to try them.

Evidence-based techniques and online access

Richard uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical steps people can use between sessions. One common approach is goal-focused work that breaks larger problems into small, manageable tasks to reduce anxiety and build confidence. Another element is strengths-based problem solving that helps people identify what already works for them and expand those skills to new situations.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. He will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and reduce travel time. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight or for conversations that do not require being on camera. Ask about available formats when you start the matching process so you can plan sessions that work with your routine.