- Integrative approach
- Couples and individuals
- BACP member
About Richard
Richard Schafer is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem problems and life changes. He has worked in talking therapies since 2003 and brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to sessions. He is a long-term member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP, and practises from the United Kingdom.
Richard trained as a psychodynamic counsellor and began private practice in 2004. He later spent more than a decade as a clinical lead in statutory-sector therapeutic residential settings. That background informs how he approaches complex issues such as attachment difficulties, abandonment, isolation and impulsivity.
He uses an integrative model, blending psychodynamic ideas with Person-Centred principles. In practice this means he pays attention to past patterns while keeping the conversation focused on what is happening now. Sessions aim to make difficult feelings easier to name, and to spot repeated ways of coping that cause problems.
Richard sees individuals and couples and offers a steady, reparative style in the room. He emphasises clear communication and practical steps alongside deeper reflection. People often work on improving relationships, resolving family tensions and handling the emotional impact of separation or addiction.
With 21 years of experience, he combines formal training and long-term clinical work. He encourages clients to set realistic goals and to take therapy at a pace that suits them. To begin, readers should confirm current session options before booking.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Richard uses psychodynamic and Person-Centred ideas in his practice. Psychodynamic work looks at how past relationships and experiences shape current feelings and reactions, helping people notice repeated patterns that cause pain. Person-Centred practice focuses on respect, listening and helping people find their own solutions, which can be useful for building self-esteem and improving communication.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences with the client and adapt methods over time. Many people try a blend of shorter practical steps and deeper reflection until the right balance is found.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm the current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a working week, reduce travel time and allow quicker check-ins between in-person appointments. It can also provide choices such as dropping video for a brief phone call if that suits a quieter check-in or minimal bandwidth on a busy day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, low self-esteem and major life changes. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, isolation and difficulties with impulsivity.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He works in an integrative way using psychodynamic and Person-Centred principles. That means he looks at past patterns while keeping attention on present concerns and practical steps.
How long has he worked in therapy?
He has 21 years of experience in talking therapies, including over a decade as a clinical lead in statutory residential settings. That experience shapes his approach to complex problems.
What credentials and location should I know?
He is a long-term member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and he practices in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with him from outside the UK?
He accepts international clients. Confirm the practical options for cross-border sessions before scheduling.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that may be cancelled at any time. Check current pricing before you begin.
How do I begin a course of therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.