Counselor, Retired
May 11, 2013
Tak (Dorothea) Richards, PhD passed away in Santa Rosa, California on May 11, 2023, after a long and full life. She was 90 years old. Tak grew up in a time when women often lived in the shadow of men’s accomplishments. However, Tak was raised by two strong immigrant women, her mother and grandmother. At 16 she attended Antioch College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in Education, the first college graduate in her family. She married young and had two daughters. The family moved several times, but wherever they lived, Tak forged strong, lifelong friendships. Her professional life began in earnest when she took a job with the Peace Corps in Davis, CA where she met people who would become important friends throughout her life. For the past 50 years Tak lived in Sebastopol, working at Sonoma State University, first in the Housing Office and later in the Counseling Office. It was through counseling students that Tak realized the unique issues confronting adult students who attend college for the first time or as returning students. She was instrumental in establishing SSU’s Re-entry Program, helping adult students feel connected to the University and to each other. In 1975 she earned her doctorate degree in Psychology from the Union Graduate School. Her area of study was Underdog Psychology and how to help oneself escape from negative self-thinking. While everyone is susceptible to developing a negative self-image through the put-downs of others, her work primarily focused on challenges faced by women. Tak was able to combine her love of travel with her expertise in interpersonal and group dynamics working as a consultant to Peace Corps offices in a number of African countries. After retiring, Tak continued to enjoy her hobbies of gardening, reading, studying opera and traveling. She especially enjoyed visiting Hawaii and Italy but also liked traveling by train to visit long-time friends in Oregon and Ohio. Above all, her favorite place was the beach, whether the chilly Oregon coast, the cliffs of Sonoma County or the warm waters of Del Mar and Maui. Tak was preceded in death by many dear friends. She is survived by two daughters, their husbands, four grandchildren (and their spouses), three great-grandchildren and many treasured close friends. At her request, there will not be a formal service. There will be a private remembrance memorial at a future time. Those wishing to do so may make a donation in Tak’s name to Sonoma State University Counseling and Psychological Services -https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashnetg/static/storefront/ssugivetodev/cat...