- Psychodynamic principles
- Person Centred practice
- Addictions and recovery
About Richard
Richard Schafer is a registered counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 21 years of professional experience. He names stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem and coping with life changes among the main concerns he helps people with.
Richard trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and began private practice in 2004. He spent over a decade working as a clinical lead in statutory-sector therapeutic residential settings. Those roles gave him sustained experience with addiction, family problems and issues around attachment and abandonment.
He uses an integrative model that weaves together psychodynamic and Person Centred principles. In practical terms that means he listens for patterns from the past that shape present feelings, while also paying attention to what a person needs in the moment.
Sessions tend to focus on understanding repeating relationship patterns, managing impulses and coping with loss or separation. He also works with feelings of emptiness, guilt and shame and with fatherhood issues and communication problems.
Richard practises from Clapham, SW4, and is a long-term member of the BACP. He works in English and accepts international clients. Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and any practical details they need to know.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can fit
Richard works with psychodynamic and Person Centred approaches. Psychodynamic work looks at patterns that developed from earlier relationships and how they influence current feelings and reactions. It can help with repetitive relationship issues, abandonment fears and long-standing emotional patterns.Person Centred work focuses on a person's present experience and priorities. It involves listening closely, reflecting what matters now and supporting the person to find their own solutions for things like anxiety, low self esteem or coping with life changes.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss what feels most useful based on the client's concerns, goals and preferences and adjust the methods as work progresses.
The profile does not specify the exact session formats offered. Please confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow a shorter check-in when that suits, and remove travel time. Registered and accredited professionals often use these benefits to help sessions slot into everyday life without asking for large schedule changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strains, self esteem difficulties and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include attachment concerns, abandonment, family problems and feelings of emptiness.
How does he approach feeling stuck?
He uses an integrative model drawing on psychodynamic and Person Centred principles to look at past patterns and present needs. Sessions aim to clarify repeating behaviours and identify practical steps for change.
How long has he been practising?
He has 21 years of experience, first qualifying in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and starting private practice in 2004. He also worked for over 12 years as a clinical lead in therapeutic residential settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in Clapham, SW4, in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. Confirming practical session options before booking is recommended.
What session formats does he offer?
The written profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Exact fees should be checked on the booking page.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.