Sometimes you wonder if your life looked different would you be happier?  You feel exhausted by communicating with your partner the same way over and over again and things are just getting worse.  You wish you had some tools because you know there has got to be a better way.  You realize that you are part of the problem.  Blaming your partner for everything is getting you no where and most importantly they are not changing even with all of your feedback!  You are now at a point where you realize if something is going to change it needs to start with you.  You are ready to reach out for support to help you individually or to help you both as a couple.

You know something has to change, but when you try things on your own you lose momentum.  You realize you need support, accountability and validation.

Find your couple’s therapist in Birmingham, AL

Hi I’m Peyton!  

I am a Marriage and Family Associate who loves working with individuals, couples and families to help them learn better and healthier ways to relate and communicate.  I help people with anxiety, childhood trauma, and relationship issues rediscover hope, resilience, and more self-awareness. I love helping my clients to recognize what they really want and communicate it in a way that is both authentic to the client's true feelings and is easily understood by the person they're in a relationship with.

I have a real passion for couple's work!

Peyton Richard, MFTA, under the supervision of Dr. Debra Atchinson, LMFT, AAMFT Supervisor

I believe people can have the type of marriage that is 100/100. I believe in a happy spouse = happy house, not just a happy wife = happy life.  I believe in giving to get, wherein if I meet my partners needs, then they have nothing but time and energy to meet mine. I believe a happy relationship positively impacts children, extended family, and friends like a ripple effect.  As a woman who has been married for two decades and a Gottman-trained therapist, I know the benefits of having a partner, not just a spouse. I know that a happy marriage is not something that one stumbles upon by accident, it's something, that - like anything of true value - requires effort, sacrifice and commitment. 

As your therapist, I believe in therapy I must earn the right to advise.

So, especially in the beginning, I will listen more than I speak. I want to know you so I can best help you. You, the client, are guiding me. We first address what is currently impacting you, so you can find the peace and space to start doing the deeper work of how you relate and why you do the things that you do.  Our process is to use effective researched tools like Gottman Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, and Imago therapy to help you find a life you love. Through this work, I begin to see change. Change always starts slow, but with time it builds. The impact of change, however, is much quicker. I see clients who think they're stuck and/or have no hope and help them to see their strengths and trust their voice. I know therapy has an amazing ripple effect that as we heal, trickles down to our partners, children, friends, and extended family. It's an honor and privilege to help others, and  I don't take it lightly.

When clients are in session with me there is an energy of understanding, calm, and strength.

You may laugh, you may cry. Regardless you will definitely feel heard and understood. My clients can see that we're on this journey together and my only goal is their wellness. There's no judgment with me.  My creativity and flexibility set me apart from other therapists you may work with. I truly believe we need to meet our clients where they're at and use whatever tools we can in order to reach and help them.

Start therapy with Peyton in Birmingham, AL

The next step to start feeling better is to call 205-538-3978 or click here to set up a free consult.

Need to know more about my counseling training?

I went to Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC from 2000-2004 and received a degree in Hospitality, and worked as an events/wedding coordinator for several years.  After several years working in the corporate world, I decided to go back to school to get my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University, Liberty, VA  from 2016-2020.  During my internship At Emerge family therapy in South Carolina, I worked with many couples and families helping them grow and learn deeper more meaningful ways of connection and I loved it!  In 2021, my husband and I made the journey from South Carolina to Alabama with our beloved dogs to make our home in Alabama. I love working with couples and am a trained Gottman relationship therapist who uses cutting-edge methods to build intimacy and connection with couples.