Richard Goggin

Richard Goggin, LICSW, helps people manage grief, stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and life changes. He also works with concerns such as addiction, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting struggles, and issues related to hospice and end-of-life counseling. His approach aims to help people find steadiness when life feels overwhelming.

He draws on three decades of experience as a psychotherapist, a former hospital chaplain, and a high school athletic coach. That mix informs a practical, straightforward style. Sessions focus on understanding what is driving pain now, and on small steps that can improve how a person copes day to day.

Richard uses talk-based methods that center the person in the room and match techniques to each situation. He may use elements of cognitive behavioral work to identify unhelpful thoughts, and mindfulness practices to build attention and calm. The goal is to help people notice patterns and try different ways of responding to stress and relationships.

People meet him for help with specific problems like anger, parenting challenges, or chronic illness-related strain. He also supports those facing deeper questions about meaning, isolation, or emptiness. He prefers a direct but compassionate tone that encourages responsibility and realistic change.

Richard practices in Massachusetts and speaks English. He carries the credential MA LICSW, which indicates a master’s degree and licensing as a clinical social worker. To begin, readers should use the site’s Start Therapy process to match and schedule a session according to availability.

How Richard’s approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy places the person’s experience at the center of the session. It involves listening carefully, reflecting what matters to the client, and letting the client set the pace and goals. This approach helps people who need a supportive space to make sense of hard emotions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing alternative ways of thinking and acting. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and problems where changing habits can reduce distress.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Richard will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and adapt methods together. That collaborative planning helps pick techniques that feel useful and realistic for everyday life.

Because specific session formats are not listed in the biography, confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Discussing practical needs during the initial match helps determine how best to structure sessions to support coping, grief work, and life changes.