Katie Richardson Psychotherapy
About Me
Why I do what I do
I spent 20 years in Ontario’s mental health system being passed around, sitting on waitlists, being misdiagnosed and mismedicated, arguing with doctors, feeling misunderstood by all sorts of clinicians, and self-advocating in desperation to find what I needed. Does that sound familiar to you? This is a story I hear from clients all the time.
We with lived experience are at the leading edge; we are life ahead of research and professional consensus. Unfortunately this means we are also so misunderstood that it is difficult to find the support we need.
I aim to use the power of my RP license to advocate for and with my clients to streamline assessments, build compassion, connect with other clinicians and social programs, and influence change in our systems.
I am passionate about helping others who are in the reckoning stages (first 1-3 years) of late-identified ADHD and/or autism realize that they are not alone. There ARE communities we belong in and places where we are loved for being exactly who we are. And there will be more – we just have to build them together.
Social Justice Advocate
I grew up in and love the 2SLGBTQIA+ community dearly. I strive to provide an inclusive practice that feels safe and welcoming. Using my privilege to advocate for marginalized groups to work towards dismantling our capitalist, racist, classist, ableist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic (did I miss any?) systems is important to me.
Lived Experience
I was diagnosed with ADHD late in life, resonate strongly with Autistic experiences, and both run in my family. As I mentioned, my life experience has fueled a fire within me to influence change in our mental health system and support others navigating this journey. You may be relieved to hear I am not operating on personal experience alone; I have specialized supervision and have completed and continue to seek out ongoing education to provide ND-affirming, evidence-based therapy. My dear friend and colleague and I also interview ADHD/Autism researchers and advocacy leaders on the Christina Crowe Podcast.
Mama to an Exceptional Kid
I am the mother of a medically exceptional, neurodivergent kiddo. I have a tremendous amount of compassion for parents who fight relentlessly to navigate our chronically outdated and misfiring systems to find the right support for our beautiful ‘outliers’. I spend a great deal of time myself advocating for my son with doctors, educators, therapists, family, friends, etc.
Hobbies
WHAT? Life outside of therapy? Absolutely! I’m an avid martial artist of 25 years. Currently I’m mesmerized by aikido and its parallels to psychotherapy and mental wellness. Other interests include painting, scuba diving, snorkelling, rockhounding, writing, and connecting with my favourite humans and furry friends!
Please look at this beautiful picture of my dog, Banjo.
Katie Richardson Psychotherapy 