Hello, I'm Rachel Richards, licensed professional therapist (WA state LH61242965) and founder of Four Winds Therapy. My commitment to providing therapy comes from a deep appreciation for the innate humanness and capacity for healing contained in each individual. I have over 27 years of experience as a provider in the field of mental health and have served in many roles and settings helping others of many different ages and backgrounds to become the best version of themselves. It is an honor for me to help each and every client. My experience in systems work, depth psychology, cultural analysis and my personal commitment to authenticity, honesty and compassion allow me to serve the many diverse needs of clients with flexibility and expertise. I succeeded in strengths based work focused on children's mental health and continue to advocate strongly for youth and for racial justice as well as for reducing the stigma of mental illness. I have served as a therapist and supervisor within many excellent organizations and provide leadership based in collaboration. In addition to CBT, DBT, ACT and many other research backed therapy methodologies - I offer a humanistic and existential perspective that honors one's true individuality, culture, and nature. I enjoy making genuine connections with people as I believe that it is through connection that we all can heal.      While I have called the Pacific Northwest home for the past 22 years, I grew up in the south and sometimes still express myself with a slight twang. Like many in this part of the world I have a deep appreciation for nature and find healing spending time amongst the many forests, beaches, rivers and mountains around us. I am the proud owner of Wee, my 5th Bouvier des Flandres dog who is sometimes around during sessions with clients as she is a service dog. In addition to a Master's in Counseling Psychology and Doctoral work in Education, extensive training in Vipassana meditation and in the dharma prepared me to assist clients in learning about and practicing mindfulness and meditation. Experience throughout life with plant medicine and facilitating present focused interconnected awareness allows me to provide psychedelic integration counseling and our practice soon will collectively provide healing retreats. I invite you to schedule an introductory session with me to determine how I can be most helpful to you.