- Men's wellbeing
- Integrative approach
- BACP member
About Richard
Richard Schafer is a counsellor who supports men with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationships, self-esteem and coping with life changes. He is a BACP member and brings a calm, straightforward approach to sessions. Richard works with practical concerns like communication problems, isolation, impulsivity and issues around fatherhood and divorce.
Richard trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and has run a private practice since 2004. He spent over 12 years as a clinical lead in statutory therapeutic residential settings. That background informs how he balances practical guidance with attention to deeper life patterns.
His work follows an integrative model that combines psychodynamic ideas and Person Centred principles. In practice this means he pays attention to past relationship patterns while also focusing on the client’s present goals and experience. He adapts his approach to suit what each person needs at different stages.
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. He describes himself as straightforward and respectful, helping people recognise unhelpful cycles and try small, achievable changes. He also helps people deal with feelings of guilt, shame and emptiness.
For practical matters he uses a subscription model for sessions that can be cancelled at any time. To start, clients use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to his availability.
How his approaches translate to online work
Richard draws on psychodynamic and Person Centred approaches. Psychodynamic work focuses on how past relationships and repeated patterns influence current feelings and behaviour, helping people notice why they react in certain ways. Person Centred work emphasises a respectful, non-judgemental relationship and helps people find their own solutions by focusing on their experience and goals.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Richard will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences, and together they decide what feels most helpful. He adapts methods as therapy progresses so sessions remain relevant and practical.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking as the biography does not list specific formats. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also suit people who prefer to speak from a familiar environment or who need a session that fits a lunch break or shift pattern. Registered or accredited professionals can discuss which ways of working will suit your situation during the initial steps.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Richard commonly help with?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties and self-esteem concerns, along with coping with life changes and issues such as isolation or fatherhood challenges.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He follows an integrative style that blends psychodynamic and Person Centred ideas, aiming to balance understanding past patterns with practical steps for the present.
What is his professional background and experience?
He qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2003 and has practised privately since 2004, with over 12 years as a clinical lead in statutory therapeutic residential settings and 21 years’ experience overall.
Where is he based and what credential does he hold?
He practises from the United Kingdom and is a long-term member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, listed with the BACP credential.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
Yes, he accepts international clients; please check session logistics and time zones when arranging appointments.
How are sessions priced?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.