Barnardo Counselling
Psychodynamic therapy supporting meaningful change
Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place where our usual ways of coping no longer seem effective and it can become hard to find a way forward on our own.
Together we can uncover what’s holding you back and help you regain clarity, confidence and a renewed sense of direction.
About me
With family ties to Dr. Thomas Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist and founder of the UK’s largest children’s charity, I grew up understanding the profound value of supportive and nurturing relationships. This legacy has deeply influenced me and my approach to practice.
I have over 15 years experience across statutory (Child Protection and Leaving Care) and third-sector roles (advocacy and therapeutic services). I’ve seen how public services can fail to properly support people. This led me to specialise in Counselling to change this and to offer meaningful, personalised care.
I believe everyone deserves someone they can rely on to listen, understand and help them thrive. I want this for all of my clients, regardless of background, age or income.
My approach
My core training was as an Integrative Counsellor (meaning that I’m qualified to practice a range of therapeutic approaches, including Psychodynamic, Person-centred & Cognitive Behavioural therapy). My current practice offers ’Brief Psychodynamic Therapy’ (BPT). This evidence based approach focuses on developing personal insights, emotional processing and relational change within a time-limited framework. Psychodynamic therapy operates on the premise that unconscious processes and childhood experiences significantly influence our current behaviour and relationships. It aims to explore these unconscious patterns, bringing them into our awareness to facilitate healing and resolution.
Working together
Your first appointment
This session is a chance for us to get to know each other. It’s an opportunity for you to share what difficulties you want my help with and to identify your goals for our work. Together we will explore how I can best support you. I am also here to answer any questions and/or concerns that you may have about the process. Most importantly, this time gives you an opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me and if I’m the right person to support you moving forward.
Ongoing appointments
If you choose to continue, we’ll arrange a regular day and time to meet each week. This commitment offers you a dedicated space to invest in yourself, even when life might seem hectic and demanding. There’s no obligation to commit to a fixed number of sessions or a contract—you remain in control and can decide what works best for you. The length of therapy will depend on the scope and complexity of your therapeutic goals.
Pricing
Sessions are 50 minutes long and in-person, based in North London. The fee is £65. Discounted rates are available for those on a limited income.
Free Counselling for Care-Experienced Individuals
I offer free counselling appointments for anyone with care experience aged 18-25yrs. Referrals can be made through the charity, the Drive Forward Foundation.
Testimonials
Managing my mental health was a struggle until I met Richard. Unlike past therapy, he made me feel safe exploring emotions I’d long suppressed. His support helped me confront challenges I couldn’t face alone and for the first time, I trusted someone with my feelings. Thanks to Richard, I’ve gained strength and resilience. While managing my mental health remains a challenge, I now believe nothing is impossible.
- ’N’ age 25 yrs
In my late 20s, I struggled with life's challenges but sessions with Richard surpassed my expectations. He carefully balanced giving me space to share openly, with offering thoughtful insights and strategies for navigating difficulties. Our engaging, honest conversations provided profound personal insights, supported by a warm, welcoming environment for addressing painful experiences. These sessions equipped me with emotional tools to improve relationships with others and myself. I highly recommend trying an introductory session.
-‘C’ age 30yrs
I have found my sessions with Richard to be enormously useful. What sets him aside from other experiences I’ve had is his careful, insightful observations. He’s helped me make sense of what happened to me and how I’ve developed emotional strategies over time that were once useful, but have become outdated and now unhelpful. I’ve developed a much healthier way of relating to myself and I no longer feel overwhelmed or anxious all the time. Our work together made me feel really understood and the changes have been profound.
- ‘B’ age 45 yrs
When I started I was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, doubting therapy would be helpful because of negative experiences with counselling growing up within the care system. Richard created a safe, judgment-free space where I could open up and resolve deep conflicts. He guided me toward building self-worth and a confidence that my upbringing didn’t provide. Richard went above and beyond for me during this time and he has been a fantastic counsellor.
- ’T’ age 25 yrs
Working with Richard has significantly improved my daily life. He focuses on practical strategies to manage situations and achieve better outcomes. Unlike past therapy, these sessions have helped uncover root causes of emotions and their impact on my growth. Richard has boosted my confidence, allowing me to face the future with optimism. I now understand myself better and feel equipped to continue my personal development.
- ‘M’ age 24yrs
Richard is the first therapist I’ve truly connected with. In a short time he grounded me and helped me achieve progress I once thought impossible. Together, we’ve carefully explored my difficulties, helping me to identify harmful habits that are the legacy of a neglectful and abusive upbringing. I’ve learnt healthier ways to relate to myself and others, which I believe will also support me in returning to university.
-‘R’ age 19 years
Accreditation
Humanistic and Integrative Counselling (PGDip) - BACP Accredited.
Social Work Masters (MA) - registered Social Worker with Social Work England
Law Degree (LLB)
Enhanced DBS Check (on-line subscription service)
Emergency First Aid Training (British Red Cross)
Experience
I’ve helped deliver support services for over 15 years and I am experienced at working with young people and adults from all backgrounds, across a wide range of issues:
Stress and anxiety
Relationship difficulties
Low confidence and self-esteem
Depression
Grief and loss
Traumatic experiences (from the past or present)
Unresolved Childhood Trauma
Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
My work is fully insured and professionally supervised, in accordance with BACP guidelines and I adhere to the BACP Codes of Ethics in my practice.
Professional Memberships
British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy
The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Social Work England - formerly registered under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).