I was born and raised in South Africa and moved to the United States in my mid-twenties. After earning my degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia in 1999.
Early in my career, I partnered with several churches in the Atlanta area, offering Christian counseling services that integrated psychological insight with spiritual care. I later served on a church staff in a full-time pastoral counseling role before transitioning into private practice.
Since 2010, I’ve focused on working with individual adults navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in both evidence-based methods and a deep respect for each person’s story and strengths.
Treatment Approach
With over 20 years of experience in traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), my approach to counseling has grown to include a strong focus on trauma-informed care. While I continue to offer CBT-based “talk therapy,” I often encourage clients to consider deeper, integrative approaches that support lasting emotional and nervous system healing.
My work is informed by training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through the Center for Excellence in EMDR, as well as Internal Family Systems (IFS-Informed) through the IFS Institute. I also draw on the narrative-based work of Dan Allender and his model of Story Engagement.
These approaches are evidence-based and compassionate, helping clients process trauma, develop greater self-awareness, and move toward resilience, clarity, and emotional freedom.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Education & Credentials:
- Education: Georgia State University, MS in Counseling (1996).
Richmond Graduate School (diploma in Christian Counseling).
Training and supervision in providing EMDR therapy. - License #: LPC 3018 (GA), LPC 701013259 (VA), LCMHC 16577 (NC)
- License State: Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina
- Practicing Since: 1999
Reviews posted on Zocdoc:
Richard is very intuitive and intentional in his approach. His presence is very inviting and calming. He specifically helps you work through your trauma at a deep level. He’s well informed and constantly learning and refining his methods and thought process. I can’t recommend him enough! (by JB)
Richard Forde has been a wonderful counselor. My experience before him with counseling was that I recalled traumatic experiences and was left feeling vulnerable and raw. But working with Richard each session I feel as if I have gained something precious whether it be a new perspective, tool, or awareness. I leave my sessions feeling good and curious instead of depressed and down. His approach to trauma work was much different than I had previously experienced and I had to be more open, I quickly began to enjoy the work better. His approach style allows me to process things that presently come up instead of just recalling what I know to have been traumatic experiences. I have found many things that I didn’t realize I had been holding onto through our work. He is also the first male counselor I have worked with personally and I feel very comfortable working with him even revisiting birth trauma. (by BG)
