Richard Amaral, LCSW

Connecticut | Online sessions in Connecticut | English | Book with Richard »

Practical, story-focused therapy for everyday challenges

Details

Name	Richard Amaral
Credentials	LCSW
Based in	Connecticut
Licensed in	Connecticut
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	28

About Richard

Richard Amaral is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of practice based in Connecticut. He offers a calm, down-to-earth presence for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship concerns. He aims to make first steps feel doable and acknowledges how hard it can be to reach out for help.

Richard prefers simple, direct conversations. He creates space for people to talk about what matters most. He listens closely, reflects back what he hears, and helps clients name patterns that feel stuck or painful.

Background and approach

He draws on Narrative Therapy to help people separate themselves from problems and rethink the stories they live by. He also uses Client-Centered principles to follow each person’s pace and priorities, and Mindfulness techniques to bring attention to the present moment and reduce reactivity.

Richard has worked with issues like addiction, intimacy concerns, sleep problems, compassion fatigue, and challenges tied to adoption, attachment, caregiving and aging. He also supports people navigating LGBT concerns, divorce, blended family dynamics, and chronic illness related stress. Sessions focus on practical steps and forward movement.

Clients can expect respectful curiosity, clear feedback, and collaborative goal-setting. He aims to help people find strategies that fit their life and values.

What this therapist works with

His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse among the things Richard works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Richard among the ways he works.
Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Richard among the ways he works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Richard among the ways he works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Richard among the ways he works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Richard directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Richard directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

How Narrative and Mindfulness Work Online

Richard uses Narrative Therapy to help people examine and reframe the stories they tell about themselves. This approach can be useful for relationship troubles, addiction, trauma-related meanings, and life transitions because it separates problems from identity and opens up new possibilities.

He also draws on Client-Centered methods that prioritize the client’s perspective and pace. That means the therapist follows the client's lead, asks gently curious questions, and adjusts based on what feels most helpful. Mindfulness techniques are offered to help manage anxiety and stress by building moment-to-moment awareness and reducing reactive patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and comfort level. Together they try strategies, see what helps, and shift course when needed.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video works well for focused conversation and visual cues, phone can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, and chat or messaging can fit quick check-ins or people who prefer not to be on camera. These options make it easier to schedule around work, caregiving, or travel and keep therapy consistent.

Common questions about this listing

What concerns does he help people address?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship and intimacy issues. He also addresses addictions, sleep problems, compassion fatigue, and many family-origin or caregiving stresses.

How would you describe his therapy style?

His style is conversational and collaborative. He listens closely, reflects what he hears, and helps clients name and change unhelpful patterns.

What kind of background does he have?

He brings 28 years of professional experience to his practice. That long experience informs how he guides conversations and sets practical goals.

What credential does he hold and where is he located?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Connecticut. His practice is based in that state.

Can I work with him if I'm outside the United States?

Yes, he accepts international clients. Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and needs.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin therapy with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing the short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with Richard are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Richard where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.

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