- CBT use
- DBT skills
- Mindfulness practice
About Richard
Richard "Rick" Dawson is an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in Oregon with 33 years of experience. He returned to active practice after retirement because he wanted to meet demand and keep helping people manage life stressors. Rick works with issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions, anger, grief, relationship strain, parenting stress, sleep problems, and ADHD.
Rick spent the early part of his career working in inpatient psychiatric settings while completing his counseling degree. He has done individual, group, and family work in hospitals, a community mental health clinic, hospice, and outpatient settings. He ran a private practice beginning in 2004 and later worked in a family medical clinic in suburban Portland.
In sessions he focuses on clear, practical problem solving. He uses techniques that help people spot unhelpful thinking, learn skills for handling strong emotions, and try small changes that make day-to-day life easier. He describes therapy as a partnership where the client and he work together on concrete goals.
Rick draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy when those approaches fit a person's needs. He has experience helping people cope with mood disorders, panic, social anxiety, isolation, guilt and shame, and compassion fatigue alongside the core concerns listed above.
His style is straightforward and practical. He aims to help people reduce reactive anger, manage workplace frustration, repair relationships, and build better sleep and coping routines. People considering a first session are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first appointment.
How his approaches translate to online work
Richard regularly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. CBT focuses on spotting and changing unhelpful thoughts and routines to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. DBT teaches practical emotion regulation and interpersonal skills for handling strong feelings such as anger or intense frustration.He also uses Mindfulness Therapy to help people notice physical sensations and reduce reactive responses. These approaches are described in straightforward, skills-based terms so clients can apply them between sessions and see small changes over time.
Choosing the right approach is a team decision. He will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and daily life. That collaborative process includes trying techniques, reviewing what helps, and shifting focus when needed.
Confirm the exact session formats before you book. The profile does not list specific delivery methods, so check current options on the platform. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-in meetings when needed, and avoid travel time. Those practical benefits often help people practice skills consistently and keep therapy going alongside work and family responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
Oregon
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, grief, depression, relationship strain, sleep problems, parenting stress, ADHD, and related mood issues.
What is his therapeutic style?
His approach is practical and problem-focused, using clear techniques to change unhelpful thinking and manage strong emotions.
How much experience does he have?
He has 33 years of professional experience that includes inpatient, outpatient, group, and individual work.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LCSW licensed in Oregon and has worked in hospital, clinic, hospice, and private practice settings.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking by using the platform controls; the profile does not list specific formats.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.