About E + E
E + E
Effort + Ease started to take shape in the wake of the height of the 2020 pandemic with the intention to grow + extend beyond virtual services. The entire world had to adapt, quickly to telecommunication as our primary mode of connecting. We became skilled at different technologies to keep in contact with our loved ones, workmates, and our healthcare providers.
Effort + Ease acknowledges there are pros and cons of telecommunication. We have been providing virtual mental health services for years prior to the 2020 pandemic. In that time, we have come to believe the pros outweigh the cons. Virtual therapy appointments make it accessible for people that may do have the ability to schedule and attend in-office appointments. It saves time and energy but more importantly, we have learned as virtual therapists that it increases the likelihood of reaching out, engaging in, and maintaining appointments for your mental health.
Effort + Ease is 100% virtual at this time. You can have therapy in the comfort of your own home, in the privacy of your office, or while sitting in your car or the park. Your therapist will be in a private office, on a secure site, and is experienced in adapting therapeutic interventions on a virtual platform.
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Meet Jo Richardson
Specialities:
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LGBTQ+ Issues
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PTSD and Trauma including; Medical Trauma, Racial Trauma, and Spiritual Trauma
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Chronic Illness including HIV, + Chronic Pain
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Grief and Loss
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Anxiety + Chronic Stress
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Seasonal Affective Depression (SAD) and Depression.
Some of the hardest times in life are when we realize we need help or when we know we need to make changes. What can be even more difficult is seeking out help and asking for it. That act takes insight and bravery. I would be honored to assist you on your journey and provide the support you require. The following will explain a little about me, my education, my experiences, and my style of practice.
I attained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. My major was on Interpersonal Practice i.e. individual therapy. I have been a Clinical Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Community Educator for the past 5 years. I have worked in the Human Service and Social Work field for nearly 15 years.
Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals that have experienced trauma. That has been a constant. My area of focus, my passion, has been helping people heal from their experiences. I have dedicated the past 10 years to educating myself and others about the effects of trauma on individuals and communities. I am acutely aware, professionally and personally, how events far in the past can still have a guiding influence on the here and now. But, it doesn’t have to stay that way.
My therapeutic style is rooted in education and skill-building. I believe people are empowered (and able to be compassionate with themselves) when they have a clear understanding of why they are experiencing what is happening within their mind and body. I work with people so they understand how their brain works and how that influences their minds, and vice versa. I work with each person honoring their individuality and their unique story. I utilize many evidenced-based models and interventions, I rely heavily on my training in mindfulness, yoga + movement, cognitive + dialectical behavior therapies, and a blend of others.
A guiding principle in my practice is, I do not ask people to do anything that I haven’t done myself. I have a therapist. The skills and strategies I teach, use, or have used in the past. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a relationship between equals. This relationship can be one of the most powerful and transformative relationships between two human beings. It has been the honor of my life to serve as a person’s therapist, to be what they need in a moment in time. Whether that is a container, a guide, a witness, a teacher, an anchor, a champion, or all of the above.
I believe in healing the whole person, unwavering compassion, honest real-talk, authenticity and vulnerability, playfulness + levity, and the power of feeling seen + heard. If this resonated with you, let’s get to work + I look forward to hearing from you
TESTIMONIALS
"Jo is fantastic! In the 5-6 months that she’s been counseling me I’ve been able to identify the areas of my life that need work and I’ve been guided through mindfulness and meditation as well as realized the need to be on meds. I feel so much better now, more balanced and happy. I’m so grateful to have found this service. I’m a better human."
Written by K.A. on Jan 24, 2021 after counseling with Jo for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
"Jo is great at engaging with me in the way I engage with her. She conveys her expertise in a way that brings comfort to the discussion because she's able to respond in ways that seem familiar."
Written by S.H. on Feb 18, 2021 after counseling with Jo for 1 year on issues concerning relationship issues
Jo is an amazing counselor who listens to you and meets you where you’re at. She works with me even though I can be argumentative at times about certain things, but she’s always there to lend support.
Written by E.R. on Jun 02, 2020 after counseling with Jo for 5 months.
"Jo is the best therapist for me. She really has helped me with my issues and she doesn't sugar coat anything and just tell me things I wanna hear. She hears me put and give good constructive advice and council on everything we talk about."
Written by M.A. on Feb 04, 2021 after counseling with Jo for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd.