- Integrative approach
- BACP member
- Works with addictions
About Richard
Richard Schafer is a counsellor with over 21 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, low self-esteem and life changes. He is a long-term member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Richard works from the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English, including to international clients.
He trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and began private practice in 2004. Much of his background includes more than a decade working as a clinical lead in statutory-sector therapeutic residential settings. That experience informs his approach to everyday problems and complex emotional issues.
Richard uses an integrative model that draws on psychodynamic and person-centred ideas. Psychodynamic work looks at how past experiences shape current feelings and patterns. Person-centred work focuses on the client's immediate concerns and supports self-directed change.
Sessions are practical and conversational. He helps people talk through family problems, communication difficulties, feelings of emptiness, issues with control or impulsivity, and substance use concerns. Richard also supports people dealing with abandonment, attachment difficulties, and the effects of divorce or separation.
People can expect a calm, patient style that adapts to their needs. He offers individual counselling and couple counselling. To begin, prospective clients follow a short online matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Richard blends psychodynamic and person-centred ideas into his practice. Psychodynamic work looks at how past relationships and experiences influence current feelings and repeated patterns. This helps when anxiety, attachment issues or long-standing relationship difficulties are part of the problem.Person-centred work puts the client's concerns and choices at the centre. It focuses on listening, reflection and helping people find their own solutions, which suits issues like low self-esteem, coping with change and navigating personal decisions.
Choosing the right approach is a joint process. Richard will talk with each person about their situation, goals and preferences and adapt methods as therapy progresses. That collaborative stance helps tailor sessions to what is most useful in practice.
Practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling around work or family commitments, quicker check-ins when needed, and avoiding travel time. The original biography does not specify which online formats are used, so please confirm the available session types before booking. Many people find that remote sessions fit more readily into everyday life and make it simpler to keep continuity between appointments.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Richard focus on?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties and family problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Richard works in an integrative way using psychodynamic and person-centred principles to suit each person’s needs. Sessions tend to be conversational and aimed at helping people understand patterns and find practical ways forward.
What is his professional background?
He qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2003 and started private practice in 2004, with over 12 years as a clinical lead in therapeutic residential settings.
Where is he based and what are his credentials?
He practices in the United Kingdom and is a long-term member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.
Which languages and regions does he support?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.