Psychological Expertise
in West Bedford, NS

It’s important to find a psychologist you like, and who gets you. No easy feat - these websites all start to look the same after a few minutes down a Google rabbit hole.

Here’s a little about me, to help you decide if we could be the next dream team.

My name is Dr. Jenn Richards. I’m a registered clinical psychologist who has been described as genuine, nice (phew!) and a straight-shooter. This means, you’ll have a positive, down-to-earth experience in our sessions so that we can talk openly, even about the tough stuff.

I became a psychologist because (nerd alert!) I’m all about taking proven, scientific strategies and tailoring them so they’ll work for each individual.

We’ll use scientifically-backed therapies that work, and you’ll know exactly what we’re doing and why. No guess work, or trying to figure out if I’m mind ninja-ing you.

Some of my favourite things about being a psychologist are having people feel happier, watching them develop confidence to handle tough situations, and seeing people surprise themselves with their own awesomeness - no matter what brings them to therapy.

Over the years, I’ve met lots of therapy first timers (I promise, therapy doesn’t have to be scary!) and also people who’ve been there, done that, and therapy didn’t help before we worked together.

I don’t have a magic wand, but I do have the expertise to offer you something that’s not just talking.

Here, you’ll have a safe space to be yourself. Together we’ll work on mastering skills and we’ll keep track of how things are going. I’ll probably sketch or write important info on my whiteboard (please don’t judge my artistic abilities). Remember the part about being a straight shooter? Here’s the scoop, if I don’t think I can help you, I’ll let you know and I’ll do my best to find someone who might be a better fit.

P.S. As much as I love being a psychologist, usually people don’t want, or need, to be actively involved in therapy forever. Which means part of my job is helping you improve so much that you don’t need to keep coming for therapy.

Credentials

I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. I have oodles of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I tailor each therapy session to you.
Before starting my career, I received 8 years of doctoral-level supervision and training working with kids, teens, parents and adults. Additionally, I worked at several hospitals, including the IWK for 5+ years in Community Mental Health & Addictions, on the Transgender Health Team, and at a specialized intensive program where I was a Clinical Team Leader. I was also the Senior Scientific Director for an online psychological program, and a clinical interventionist (read: super nerdy psychologist) for a scientific study treating anxiety. I was awarded the Nova Scotia Outstanding Early Career Psychologist Award and I’ve served on the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) as the President - nobody called me Madame President, not even once. I’m also on the national board for the Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP). Still reading? Then you should also know that I love spicy food, puns, and I find it unreasonably satisfying to reorganize things.

Areas of Expertise:

o   Anxiety, stress, panic, and specific fears and phobias (social anxiety,  separation anxiety, public speaking, test-taking, school refusal, etc.)

o   Depression (also known as low mood, low energy, the blues, feeling sad, or a wicked case of the blahs)

o   Gender and sexuality questioning, exploring & support

o   Picky and selective eating

o   Parenting challenges (supporting your anxious child, disruptive behaviours/ADHD, etc.)

o   Newly experiencing chronic pain (migraines, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, juvenile arthritis, etc.)

o   Sleep problems and insomnia

o   Family and relationship communication difficulties (including family therapy, dating and relationship blocks, fears, and challenges)

o   Difficulty forming and sticking with habits (such as exercise, diet, cutting down on alcohol/substances, etc.)

I opened Red Chair Psychology to help kids, teens, parents and young adults access top tier psychological services.

Whether you’re new to therapy or you’re giving it another try, I’m glad you’re here. It can feel like a big step to reach out to a psychologist, but I’ll make it easy. You can book your first appointment by clicking below, or we can spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help.