Strength in sharing
Integrative counselling supporting meaningful change.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where the old ways of managing no longer seem to work, and it’s hard to find a way forward on our own.
Together we can look at what's holding you back and with the right care and support, help you get to where you want to be.
About me
Having been adopted into the family that founded the famous children’s charity, Barnardo’s, I learnt the importance of caring and supportive relationships. This has shaped who I am and how I practice.
My professional experiences in social care taught me that public services often fail people. They can struggle to offer the time and care you need to be heard and understood. I chose to specialise in Counselling to change this.
I believe that everyone deserves someone in their corner — willing to learn what support you value and need most. I want this for all of my clients, regardless of background, age or income.
My approach
Firstly, there's no couch and I won't sit in silence analysing you.
My approach is integrative — which is another way of saying I’m qualified to practice a range of therapeutic approaches (such as Person-centred, Psychodynamic & CBT). I offer both short-term counselling and longer-term exploratory therapy.
We'll look at what works best for you. Although it may not always feel like it, I believe that you’re best placed to figure out what's not working and how to bring about necessary change. Until now, you've perhaps not had the right support to do this — looking at issues can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable if tackled alone. We can change that. Sessions will be relaxed and taken at your pace.
Working together
Your first appointment
This is an opportunity to get to know one another. It’s for you to help me understand what brings you to therapy and what your hopes and expectations of counselling are. Then we can look to see how best I can support you. I can also help answer any questions/concerns that you might have about counselling. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and are given the time to decide if I’m the right person for you.
Ongoing appointments
If you decide you’d like to continue working together, we’ll arrange a regular day and time to meet each week. This commitment allows you to have a little protected time and space to invest in yourself — no matter how chaotic and stressful the weeks ahead might look. You won't be tied into a set number of sessions or contract — you’ll be in control and can decide what works best for you.
Pricing
Appointments are for 50 minutes and the fee is £60 (with discounted rates available if you’re on a limited income).
Please note: I run free counselling appointments for anyone care experienced. You can be referred to me via the Drive Forward Foundation.
Testimonials
“My journey with managing my mental health and emotions have never been easy. Despite years of therapy from multiple providers and constantly reliving old wounds, I have never felt comfortable feeling vulnerable until I met Richard. Richard has helped me overcome demons I have not been able to confront myself. Every session I’ve had with Richard, has made me feel safe and supported throughout my darkest times.
He saw what I didn’t see in myself and the emotions I was afraid to explore after years of suppressing them. I’ve never trusted anyone with my emotions. Not even a therapist! But I trusted Richard.
Without Richard’s support and dedication I wouldn’t have been the person I am today. Managing my mental health will always be a challenge but after my sessions, I know nothing is impossible.”
— Nadia
“During my time with Richard I have seen a great improvement within my day to day activities. Rather than just think about why certain things happen, Richard plans out ways in which to organise situations and take control of them for a better outcome.
Other counselling sessions throughout my life have just about me talking and not having anything given back. I feel these meetings have been about finding root causes of certain emotions and recognising how they have impacted me growing into an adult.
Richard has built my confidence up to a level where I can now hold my head high and look forward to what life has to offer in the future. I now have a much better understanding of myself and personally feel much more equipped to take the next steps in my personal development.”
— Marcus
“When I began, I was weighed down with tremendous amounts of anxiety and depression, which inhibited my ability to function at work. I was initially apprehensive of how effective this would be for me because I've had many negative experiences with therapy and counselling growing up within the care system. Richard provided a safe space for me, devoid of judgement; in which I could truly open up in, and resolve a lot of my internal conflicts.
During these sessions he guided and supported me towards finding a sense of self worth, which my upbringing did not provide. He has helped me towards constructing a new sense of identity and self confidence.
Richard went above and beyond for me during this time and he has been a fantastic councillor.”
— Thomas
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’ve been involved in delivering support services for over 14 years and I’m experienced at working with both young people and adults, across a wide range of issues:
Stress and anxiety
Low confidence and self-esteem
Relationship difficulties
Traumatic experiences (from the past or present)
Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
Depression
Substance misuse
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
The National Counselling Society
Social Work England - formerly registered under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).