Stuart Riskin , LCSW

Stuart Riskin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in the helping professions. He followed a nontraditional path into social work after an earlier career in the entertainment industry, and those diverse professional experiences across public and private sectors have contributed to a broad skill set and practical clinical knowledge. Stuart approaches therapy from a supportive, respectful, and strength-based stance, viewing each person as the expert on their own life and working collaboratively to foster meaningful change.

He emphasizes partnership in the therapeutic process, inviting clients to bring their own insights and goals while offering guidance shaped by years of practice. Stuart focuses on helping people develop lasting wellness through intentional, client-centered work that values growth and behavioral change when the client is ready to commit to the process. His background in varied settings informs a warm, down-to-earth style that balances professional expertise with humility and a sense of humor.

Stuart draws on clinical methods that encourage insight, practical skills, and emotional connection, tailoring interventions to the individual and their circumstances. He seeks to create a space where strength and resilience can be built through collaborative effort and clear therapeutic direction.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Growth and Connection

Stuart integrates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy in his online work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening with empathy and honoring the client as the expert on their life, helping people build self-awareness, confidence, and motivation for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps clients explore and reorganize emotional responses within relationships, supporting deeper connection and healing in couples and family dynamics.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Stuart works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then tailors techniques that fit the client’s situation. He emphasizes partnership and flexibility so the therapeutic plan evolves with the client.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for those seeking care from a distance. Video calls and phone sessions allow for real-time conversation and rapport building, while live chat and text-based messaging provide flexible, on-the-go options for check-ins and skill practice. These modalities expand access and make it easier to integrate therapeutic work into a busy life.