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Richard Schafer, BACP

Credentials
BACP
Experience
21 years
Practising in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Sessions
Online only
Client ages
Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes

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Richard Schafer helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions and low self-esteem. He also supports those facing relationship strain and big life changes. He speaks plainly and aims to make the first steps feel manageable.

He trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2003 and began independent practice in 2004. Richard uses an integrative approach that draws on psychodynamic and person-centred principles. That means he pays attention to past patterns while keeping the immediate experience and feelings in the room central.

Background and approach

Over two decades of work includes more than 12 years in clinical lead roles within therapeutic residential settings in the statutory sector. That experience shapes how he responds to complex issues such as addiction, abandonment, attachment difficulties and impulsivity. He brings practical, steady guidance rather than jargon.

Sessions focus on clear, uncomplicated conversation about what is causing distress and what might shift it. He encourages people to notice patterns, try small changes and reflect on their impact. The aim is to make daily life more manageable and relationships easier to navigate.

Richard is a long-term member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP, and works in the United Kingdom. He offers counselling through a blend of approaches tailored to each person’s needs and life circumstances.

How Richard’s approaches translate to online therapy

Richard draws on psychodynamic ideas which explore how past patterns shape current feelings and behaviours. In online sessions this can involve talking through recurring themes, noticing reactions in the moment and linking them back to earlier experiences to reduce unhelpful repetition.

He also uses person-centred principles that focus on what the person is feeling right now and on building a supportive, accepting space. Online meetings can concentrate on immediate concerns, offering steady listening and practical reflection to help people make small changes day to day.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and how the different methods might help, then adapt the style as therapy progresses. This collaborative process helps shape sessions that fit practical needs and long-term aims.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video is useful when non-verbal cues matter, phone calls can be simpler when internet bandwidth is limited, live chat suits brief check-ins and messaging allows ongoing reflection between sessions. These options offer flexibility so therapy can fit around work, family life and other commitments.
What concerns does he work with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as abandonment and attachment problems.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses an integrative style combining psychodynamic and person-centred principles to look at past patterns and present feelings in straightforward conversation.
How much experience does he have?
He has 21 years of experience and more than 12 years working as a clinical lead in therapeutic residential services within the statutory sector.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a long-term member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international arrangements are available?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
He works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions run on a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a course of therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

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Experience
21 years
Registered with
BACP
Languages
English

Contacting Richard

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