Hi there!
My name is Richard and I’m a practicum student at Arena Counseling in Gainesville, Florida. My path to counseling began during my five years as a monk, where I also served as a pastoral counselor. That experience taught me the value of deep listening, presence, and compassion, which continue to guide my work today. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and am now pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Adams State University in Colorado.
I’m passionate about creating a welcoming space where people feel safe to be themselves. My goal is to listen deeply, help clients explore their experiences, and find meaningful ways to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that with kindness, understanding, and a little courage, we can uncover strengths we didn’t know we had and build the lives we want.
Whether you’re facing a specific struggle or just need someone to talk to, I’d be honored to support you on your journey. Thank you for considering Arena Counseling, and I look forward to meeting you!
