Richard Schafer, BACP

Richard Schafer helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strains, low self-esteem and major life changes. He uses straightforward talking therapy to address problems like feelings of emptiness, impulsivity, isolation, and difficulties with communication and control. Richard is named up front so people know who they will meet. He trained as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2003 and began independent practice in 2004. Over many years he has also worked as a clinical lead in statutory residential therapeutic settings, bringing practical experience from those roles into sessions. Richard follows an integrative approach. That means he combines psychodynamic ideas with Person Centred principles and adapts methods to fit each person. Sessions therefore might focus on understanding past patterns, or on more present-focused listening and support, depending on what helps. He is a long-term member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP, and follows their code of conduct and ethics. BACP is noted here to explain the credential abbreviation. People can expect calm, direct conversation and a focus on what they want to change. He aims to work collaboratively and to match methods to the person rather than use a single technique for everyone.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Psychodynamic work looks at how past experiences and repeating patterns affect current feelings and relationships. In sessions the counsellor helps a person notice those patterns and understand how they show up now, which can reduce confusing or painful cycles. Person Centred therapy focuses on listening, empathy and creating a non-judgemental space. The aim is to help people find their own solutions and build confidence by being heard and understood. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and adapt methods as therapy progresses. This helps ensure the work suits the person rather than forcing a single technique. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life. It can reduce travel time, allow quicker scheduling around work or family commitments and make short check-in sessions possible when longer appointments are hard to manage. Because the source biography does not specify which online formats are offered, please confirm current session options before booking.