Barnardo Counselling
Psychodynamic therapy supporting meaningful change
Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place where our usual ways of coping no longer seem effective. When this happens, it can feel frustrating, confusing and difficult to change on your own.
Together we can uncover what’s holding you back and help you regain confidence and a renewed sense of direction.
Get in touch to arrange an initial session
About me
I’m Richard, an accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and registered Social Worker.
I bring over 15 years’ experience working across Child Protection, Leaving Care and therapeutic services, supporting people through complex and often challenging life experiences.
My professional practice has shown me how much early relationships and life circumstances can shape how we feel about ourselves and others. As well as the importance of having a space where you feel genuinely heard and understood.
Alongside my professional experience, my family connection to Dr Thomas Barnardo and the charity he founded, has influenced my belief in the importance of consistent, supportive relationships. This is something I aim to offer every client I work with.
My approach
Often, people come to therapy feeling stuck — repeating patterns in relationships, struggling with anxiety or low mood, or reacting in ways that don’t appear to be helping them anymore.
My approach focuses on understanding what’s driving these experiences, rather than just managing the symptoms.
Together, we look at the patterns shaping how you think, feel and relate to others — including how past experiences may still be influencing you in the present.
As these patterns become clearer, something often shifts. You may find yourself responding differently, feeling more in control and relating to yourself and others in a more grounded way.
While my work is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, I keep the process focused and practical — supporting meaningful change within a clear and supportive structure.
Working together
Your first appointment
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure whether it will help.
The first session gives you a chance to talk about what’s going on for you and get a sense of how I work. There’s no pressure to commit — it’s important that you feel comfortable and that the fit is right.
If at the end of the session you feel I’m not the right person to work with, there is no charge.
Ongoing appointments
If you decide to continue, we’ll meet weekly at a regular time.
There’s no fixed number of sessions — you remain in control of the process and we can work in a way that suits your needs. Whether that’s shorter-term focused work or longer-term exploratory therapy. The length of work will depend on the scope and complexity of your therapeutic goals.
A note about the space
I often work alongside my dog, Indie, who is calm and used to being in the therapy room. Some clients find this helps them feel more at ease. If you’d prefer sessions without a dog, that’s absolutely fine.
Pricing
Sessions are 50 minutes long and in-person, based in North London. The fee is £70. I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces — please feel free to ask.
Free counselling for care-experienced young adults
I offer free counselling for individuals aged 18–25 with care experience, in partnership with the charity, the Drive Forward Foundation.
Testimonials
Managing my mental health was a struggle until I met Richard. Unlike past therapy, he made me feel safe exploring emotions I’d long suppressed. His support helped me confront challenges I couldn’t face alone and for the first time, I trusted someone with my feelings. Thanks to Richard, I’ve gained strength and resilience. While managing my mental health remains a challenge, I now believe nothing is impossible.
- ’N’ age 25 yrs
In my late 20s, I struggled with life's challenges but sessions with Richard surpassed my expectations. He carefully balanced giving me space to share openly, with offering thoughtful insights and strategies for navigating difficulties. Our engaging, honest conversations provided profound personal insights, supported by a warm, welcoming environment for addressing painful experiences. These sessions equipped me with emotional tools to improve relationships with others and myself. I highly recommend trying an introductory session.
-‘C’ age 30yrs
I have found my sessions with Richard to be enormously useful. What sets him aside from other experiences I’ve had is his careful, insightful observations. He’s helped me make sense of what happened to me and how I’ve developed emotional strategies over time that were once useful, but have become outdated and now unhelpful. I’ve developed a much healthier way of relating to myself and I no longer feel overwhelmed or anxious all the time. Our work together made me feel really understood and the changes have been profound.
- ‘B’ age 45 yrs
When I started I was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, doubting therapy would be helpful because of negative experiences with counselling growing up within the care system. Richard created a safe, judgment-free space where I could open up and resolve deep conflicts. He guided me toward building self-worth and a confidence that my upbringing didn’t provide. Richard went above and beyond for me during this time and he has been a fantastic counsellor.
- ’T’ age 25 yrs
Working with Richard has significantly improved my daily life. He focuses on practical strategies to manage situations and achieve better outcomes. Unlike past therapy, these sessions have helped uncover root causes of emotions and their impact on my growth. Richard has boosted my confidence, allowing me to face the future with optimism. I now understand myself better and feel equipped to continue my personal development.
- ‘M’ age 24yrs
Richard is the first therapist I’ve truly connected with. In a short time he grounded me and helped me achieve progress I once thought impossible. Together, we’ve carefully explored my difficulties, helping me to identify harmful habits that are the legacy of a neglectful and abusive upbringing. I’ve learnt healthier ways to relate to myself and others, which I believe will also support me in returning to university.
-‘R’ age 19 years
Accreditation
Humanistic and Integrative Counselling (PGDip) - BACP Accredited.
Social Work Masters (MA) - registered Social Worker with Social Work England
Law Degree (LLB)
Enhanced DBS Check (on-line subscription service)
Emergency First Aid Training (British Red Cross)
Experience
I am experienced at working with young people and adults from all backgrounds, across a wide range of issues:
Stress and anxiety
Relationship difficulties
Low confidence and self-esteem
Depression
Grief and loss
Traumatic experiences (from the past or present)
Unresolved Childhood Trauma
Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
My work is fully insured and professionally supervised in accordance with BACP guidelines and I adhere to the BACP Codes of Ethics in my practice.
Professional Memberships
British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
Social Work England - formerly registered under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Enhanced Criminal Record Checks vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Registered provider with Insurance companies: AXA, Aviva, Vitality & WPA.