About Me
Licensed transpersonal psychotherapist specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern spiritual traditions.
Hello! I’m Richard
Licensed Therapist
I’ve always felt compelled to help people. Even at a young age, I was far more interested in how the mind, emotions and body work together than I was in business or money. I love helping people cultivate awareness and self-love, live in the present and turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. We can never be anywhere but in the here and now, although the majority of us dwell in the past or worry about the future. Once we recognize that the present truly is a present, let go of resistance and understand that each individual is a essentially a beautiful expression of being, it becomes possible to live free of blame, shame and guilt and enjoy a more joyful, productive and fulfilling life. Helping my clients get to this state of being is a deep pleasure for me.
My practice is a unique integration of meditation and psychotherapy. Over almost 50 years as a practicing therapist studying contemplative practices, I’ve learned that there is a significant crossover between the two. Simply put, psychotherapy—whether it’s though a specific focus, such as couples counseling, anger management therapy or addiction counseling—helps you deal with where you’re at, and meditation helps you deal with where you’re at with where you’re at. Integrating the two can lead to profound breakthroughs and help alleviate depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, low self-esteem and many more of the issues that so many people struggle with in our modern culture.
My Approach & Values
I started my practice at the age of 22. After attending therapy to resolve long-standing issues with my father, a man who was distant and became crippled when I was young, I realized that I wanted to practice therapy to help others, too. My very first client referred me to nine others, and there began what would become my life’s work and passion. For many decades now, I’ve worked with individuals and couples while living through many of my own blessings and life challenges. After being married for almost 40 years and raising two children, I know firsthand the difficulties and struggles that so many of us face. I’m highly accepting of people and act in basic goodness. It took me many years to get where I am, but my spiritual perspective now pervades my whole life. Rather than become consumed with the what if and what was, I now have a total acceptance of what life brings, which results in a sense of humor about many aspects of our human experience. I’ve learned that nothing in life is really anyone’s fault. It just is, and we just are. We are all just expressions of energy and the flow of life itself.
I take an honest, direct and compassionate approach to my practice. I cast no judgment, and my clients, family and friends tell me that I’m easy to talk to. I am passionate about the therapy work I do and become very excited when my clients experience breakthroughs, let go of the negative thoughts that have been holding them back and begin living fulfilling, confident, productive lives. A centerpiece of my work is helping people let go of the shame, blame and guilt that far too many of us carry. Once you, like others, realize that life is happening just the way it should and that you’re part of a larger system of energy, the barriers that are now keeping you stuck can be dissolved. And, once you are in that space, self-compassion and exquisite joy can emerge.
My Expertise
- Separation and Divorce Therapy
- Obsessions, Compulsion and Addiction Counseling
- Depression Therapy
- Anxiety and Stress Management Counseling
- Anger Management Therapy
- Career Issues
- Couples Counseling
- Relationship Counseling
- Self-Esteem (Self-Acceptance) Counseling
- Self-Realization Therapy
- Spiritual Counseling and Meditation
Testimonials
Contact Me
Take the first step in healing your relationship. Feel free to reach out to me so I can answer any questions you may have.
email: richardsussmantherapy@gmail.com
NYC phone: (212) 874-9402
CT phone: (203) 544-8418
I look forward to hearing from you!