Barnardo Counselling
Psychodynamic therapy supporting meaningful change
We all need help sometimes. Making positive changes to our lives can be hard to do alone. I offer support that looks closely at what’s not working, why it is hard to change and what could help you move forward.
My approach is active. I ask questions, share what I notice and help you map out what’s going on. From there, we can work on finding better ways to respond when the same difficulties arise.
Get in touch to arrange an initial session
About me
I’m Richard, an accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor and registered Social Worker.
My counselling work is supported by a long professional background in social care, including senior and specialist roles in Child Protection, Youth Offending and Leaving Care services. I have also worked in safeguarding roles across local authorities, education and healthcare.
For much of my career I have worked with people affected by difficult family relationships, abuse and neglect. This has given me a deep understanding of how our experiences growing up can influence the way we feel about ourselves, manage difficult emotions and relate to others as adults.
That experience is an important part of what I bring to therapy. I’m used to working with complicated family histories and sensitively exploring issues that can be difficult to talk about.
My work is also influenced by my own family history. As a descendant of Dr Thomas Barnardo, I grew up knowing about the extraordinary difference he made to the lives of vulnerable children. His example instilled in me a strong belief in the value of helping others and has influenced the choices I’ve made throughout my own professional life.
My approach
I work primarily as a Brief Psychodynamic therapist. This is a focused approach, where we begin by identifying the main difficulty you want help with and keep this at the centre of our work.
We look closely at what happens when this difficulty arises — the feelings involved, how you deal with them and what happens as a result. Sometimes the way we react in the present makes more sense when we understand where it came from, so we may explore earlier experiences and relationships where they are relevant to what is happening now.
Together, we look for these patterns in your life now and begin to recognise them as they happen. This can make it easier to respond differently, rather than automatically falling back on ways of coping that may no longer be helpful.
The aim is to turn that understanding into change — so that familiar reactions become less automatic and you have more choice in how you deal with difficult feelings and situations.
Working together
My therapy room in Islington.
Your first appointment
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, particularly when you don’t yet know whether a therapist will be right for you. Your first appointment is an opportunity to find that out without feeling under pressure to commit.
We’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you would like help with and you’ll get a sense of how I work. If at the end of the session you feel I’m not the right therapist for you, there is no charge.
Ongoing appointments
If you decide to continue, we’ll usually meet weekly at a regular time. I primarily offer shorter-term, focused therapy, although there is no fixed number of sessions. How long we work together will depend on what you want help with and how the therapy develops.
Sessions and fees
Sessions are 50 minutes long and take place in person in Islington, North London. The fee is £70.
I am a recognised provider with AXA Health, Aviva, Allianz, Vitality and WPA, so your sessions may be covered by your health insurance. Please check the terms of your policy and obtain any necessary authorisation before your first appointment.
I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces, so please feel free to ask.
A note about the space
My dog, Indie, is often with me in the therapy room. Over the years, I’ve found that many clients value having a calm animal in the room and find her presence reassuring. If you would prefer sessions without her, just let me know.
The therapy room is accessed by stairs. If this would make attending difficult for you, please get in touch — I may be able to arrange sessions in your home instead.
Indie
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 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 (BACP)
Social Work England - formerly registered under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Enhanced Criminal Record Checks vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Registered provider with Insurance companies: AXA, Aviva, Vitality & WPA.