Katty Richardson, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 50027) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 228), serving clients on California’s Central Coast since 2011. View Dr. Richardson’s professional profile on LinkedIn.

Dr-Katty-Richardson

How I Came To Do This Work

I have often called myself the “accidental therapist” as I did not start my Master’s program with the intent of becoming a therapist.  However, I have been interested in psychology since my late teens, and as I progressed in my masters degree schooling, doors opened that clearly guided me down this path. In my masters training, I found that supporting others in changing their lives was incredibly rewarding. While I didn’t fully know it at the outset, I believe now that I was called to do this work. For me, it is an honor and a privilege to be an intimate part of another person’s life journey.

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 50027) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 228). I have been seeing clients on the Central Coast since 2006, and my private practice was established in 2011. I provide individual counseling, couples counseling, and premarital counseling in Arroyo Grande and through teletherapy in California.

Education

  • B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis
  • Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, University of Santa Clara
  • Master’s degree in Human and Organizational Development with a specialty in Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University
  • Ph.D. in Human Development with a specialty in Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University

I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and have completed advanced training in research-informed therapeutic approaches:

  • EFT (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • STDP (Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy)
  • The Flash Technique

Working as a therapist is my second career. Before entering the counseling profession, I spent 20 years in the technology sector at Hewlett-Packard in roles including R&D Engineer, Educator, R&D and IT Manager, and IT Director.

I am goal oriented, so I have gravitated towards research based treatments that have proven track records.

I developed a specialty in EFT couples therapy because I get tremendous satisfaction when I am able to help a distressed couple find connection, joy, and happiness in their relationships.  I also believe that a good relationship can make a huge difference not just at home, but in life overall.  With a secure, loving relationship, everything gets a little easier.

I developed specialties in STDP and EMDR because I have found that both are incredibly effective at helping individuals resolve current problems and old hurts.  It is amazing to watch the profound transformations that can happen when an individual is able to re-connect to their authentic Self through the resolution of harmful internal habits and past traumas.

I am often asked about my spirituality. Based upon my Christian upbringing, I find that having a spiritual dimension in my life lightens my burden, helps support my work, and gives me a sense of purpose and meaning. If you are also a Christian, I am more than willing to include our shared spiritual beliefs and prayer into counseling. If you are not a Christian, you will discover my profound respect for all belief systems. I will be mindful to not to impose my beliefs or values upon you.

My work is regularly inspired by the Prayer of Saint Francis, one of my favorite prayers (the first half of which is below). I hope to help you create peace, love, forgiveness, meaning, hope, joy, and light in your world.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is error, truth.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

If you want to use your insurance, you should be aware that I am an out-of-network provider, and therefore I will likely be more expensive for you than someone who is in your insurance network. Finally, at times therapy is not short-term if the challenges a client faces are complex or long-standing. I may not be able to help you make changes or get to the bottom of what is happening quickly, despite my best efforts. It is always your choice to decide whether or not I’m a fit for you and whether or not to continue working with me. The best way to get a quick response is by texting or e-mailing me.