Richard Schafer , BACP

Richard Schafer is a professionally trained, registered counsellor (MBACP) practising in Clapham SW4. He qualified in 2003 as a psychodynamic counsellor and established a private practice in 2004, building a lengthy career that blends formal training with extensive clinical experience.

Over more than a decade he has worked as a clinical lead within statutory sector therapeutic residential settings, gaining hands-on experience in a range of complex therapeutic environments. He works from an integrative model, drawing primarily on psychodynamic and Person Centred principles to tailor support to each person's needs. This means he adapts methods and strategies to suit different circumstances rather than following a single fixed approach.

Richard offers both individual and couple counselling and approaches his work with the view that people benefit from different strategies at different stages of therapy. That philosophy has been shaped by his professional education and broad life experience. He is a long term registered member (No. 107865) of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adheres to their code of conduct and ethics in his practice.

Integrative therapeutic approaches delivered online

Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, relationships, and unconscious patterns influence current feelings and behaviours. It can help people gain insight into long-standing difficulties such as attachment issues, patterns of avoidance, or feelings of emptiness by reflecting on underlying emotional themes.

Person Centred therapy focuses on creating a non-judgmental, empathic space where the client’s own resources are respected and encouraged. This approach supports self-esteem, decision making, and coping with life changes by placing the client's experience at the centre of the work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Richard works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to identify which techniques fit best with a person's needs, goals, and preferences, and can blend methods as therapy progresses.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexible ways to access help without travel. These options make it easier to arrange regular meetings around work, family, or geographic constraints, and allow people to continue therapy during life transitions or when in-person appointments are not convenient.