- Psychodynamic principles
- Person Centred approach
- Long clinical experience
About Richard
Richard Schafer is a registered counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 21 years of experience. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, and also addresses related issues such as isolation, attachment difficulties and substance concerns.
He trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and began private practice in 2004. Over more than a decade he led clinical teams in statutory residential therapeutic settings, giving him experience with long-term support and organisational practice.
Richard uses an integrative approach that draws on psychodynamic ideas and Person Centred principles. In practice this means he looks at past patterns that affect current feelings, and also attends to what matters most to the person in the room. Sessions are usually conversational and focused on building understanding and practical ways to manage daily pressures.
Clients can expect straightforward discussions about relationships, communication problems, control and impulsivity, and difficulties that follow separation or major life changes. He also works with people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, fatherhood issues, guilt and shame and feelings of emptiness.
Richard practises from the United Kingdom and provides counselling in English. His membership of the BACP is longstanding and he follows their code of conduct and ethics. To begin, people are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
How Richard works online and his approaches
Richard draws on psychodynamic ideas and Person Centred principles, working in ways that help people understand how past experiences shape present feelings. Psychodynamic-informed work looks at patterns, relationships and underlying feelings that repeat over time and can help with anxiety, attachment issues and feelings of emptiness.Person Centred practice focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. It encourages honest dialogue about stress, relationship problems, guilt or shame, and supports practical steps for coping with daily pressures and decisions.
Finding the right way of working is part of the process. Richard will ask about goals, preferences and what has or has not helped before, and he will work with the client to decide which approach or mix of approaches feels most useful. That collaboration continues as therapy develops and needs change.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work, family and travel, and they may allow shorter check-ins or sessions without video when that suits the person. Registered or accredited professionals offer similar online ways of working, and confirming session length, frequency and any technical needs before the first meeting helps planning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, plus related issues like isolation and attachment difficulties.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses an integrative style combining psychodynamic and Person Centred principles, focusing on past patterns and present concerns in a conversational way.
How much experience does he have?
He has 21 years of experience, including more than 12 years as a clinical lead in statutory residential therapeutic settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are accepted; confirm any region-specific details before booking.
How are sessions charged?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.