Blue Cross Therapists in Richmond, VA

As a therapist, I work primarily from a relational dynamic perspective and I use human diversity and social justice lenses to further inform my work. This means that I place particular emphasis on emotions and relationships, and that I strive to be emotionally present and available for authentic connection. It is my belief and experience that the work and healing of therapy occur within this connection. Therapy is thus a collaborative process of building an affirming relationship that leads to meaningful change.

Looking for help is the first step. Whether you have experienced a traumatic event or events in the distant past or more recently or have feelings of being sad and depressed or anxious. It could be that you are in a difficult time in your life or that you are ready for a time of growth. I believe that everyone has the capability to heal and to grow. Every individual, couple, and family are different and I customize my therapeutic plan for your individual needs.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience in the Mental health field. I wholeheartedly believe in people's capacity for change. I bring this belief and enthusiasm to my practice. As a foundation, I work with my clients looking at their early relationships, and how it impacts current relationships. In reviewing relationship patterns we come to understand information below the surface of consciousness. We work together toward awareness, insight and behavioral change."

It is much harder for us to show kindness and compassion than it is to judge ourselves because we are not strong enough to push through everything with a smile. I hope to assist you with learning how to extend the kindness you give to others to yourself. I have experience with individuals across the lifespan experiencing significant emotional distress and with those struggling with transitioning between stages of life. I focus on ambiguous grief to assist anyone struggling to identify and establish the role they want to have in their own lives and create sustainable change.

Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, feel lost, and at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.

Dr. Wildgoose values helping individuals improve their well-being by gaining awareness of the impact of past experiences, present patterns, and using personal strengths to facilitate healing and enable change. She uses evidence-based therapies tailored to the individual and unique concerns. She is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Coping Effectiveness Training, and Positive Psychology. Dr. Wildgoose guides individuals to a deeper understanding of thoughts, emotions, and actions with the goals of personal growth, meaning, purpose, and improved relationships.

I work using an integrative, person-centered, inclusive, trauma/systems-informed framework to mental health and well-being. My approach is collaborative and you are an integral part of the process. I believe your body/brain/mind already possesses the intrinsic wisdom required to heal. My role is to facilitate your own self-healing by providing guidance, support and suggestions, and sometimes humor. I draw on many psychological perspectives, theories, brain-based techniques, mind-body practices, neuroscience, and research-backed modalities as well as practical solutions and more intuitive approaches to help you along the way.

We all have inner narratives about ourselves, our worthiness, other people, and life in general. These narratives are created by our experiences, families, communities, our biological makeup, and mainstream societal messages. Many of us carry around harmful beliefs about ourselves and the world around us that hold us back and keep us locked in cycles of suffering. We can challenge and change these destructive narratives to improve our lives and relationships.