Richard Stafford, BACP

Richard Stafford helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain and problems with self-esteem. He works with issues such as addiction, anger, sleeping difficulties and coping with life changes. He also supports those dealing with parenting stress, workplace strain, compassion fatigue and feelings of isolation or guilt. Richard brings 17 years of practical experience to his counselling work. He uses a client-centred approach, which means he follows each person’s lead and adapts sessions to what feels most useful. Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. In the room he aims for a calm, open atmosphere where people can say what they need to say without judgement. He listens for what matters most to each person and helps them explore options and small steps forward. The work is collaborative and paced to fit the individual’s needs. Topics Richard commonly helps with include bereavement and loss, relationship and intimacy issues, communication problems, divorce and separation, and caregiver stress. He also supports people struggling with life purpose, control issues, shame, and men’s issues. Practical support may include talking through difficult decisions, noticing patterns that keep causing pain, and trying new ways of coping. People who feel stuck or overwhelmed may find a space to reflect and make changes. To begin, clients use the site’s Start Therapy button to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

How client-centred methods translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening closely and responding to what matters to each person. It aims to create an accepting space where a person can talk through feelings like grief, anxiety or low self-esteem and consider practical next steps. Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide what feels most helpful, adjusting the pace and focus as goals and needs change. If you are considering online therapy, check which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work or family commitments and can reduce travel time. They also allow shorter check-ins when days are busy, or sessions without video if bandwidth or comfort makes that preferable. Registered or accredited professionals often help clients adapt the work so it suits daily life and practical constraints, for example by setting small actions to try between meetings and reviewing progress week to week.