About me
Hi, I’m Richard — an accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor (BACP) and registered Social Worker (SWE).
I work with individuals who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or caught in patterns they don’t fully understand — whether that’s anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties or perhaps a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right.
You might find yourself:
- overthinking or feeling emotionally drained
- struggling in relationships that repeat the same challenges
- feeling disconnected from yourself or others
- unsure why certain feelings or reactions keep showing up
My aim is to help you make sense of these experiences and create meaningful, lasting change — not just attempts at 'quick-fixes'.
My approach is grounded in Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, which focuses on understanding the deeper emotional patterns and past experiences that shape how you think, feel and relate today. I offer a thoughtful, consistent and non-judgemental space, where we can explore whatever feels important to you, at your pace.
What to expect from the first session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure whether it will be helpful.
I offer an initial session where you can get a sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable speaking with me.
If at the end of that first session you feel I’m not the right fit, there is no charge.If you decide to continue, the session is charged as normal.
This is simply to give you space to explore things without worrying about committing to the wrong therapist.
I also work alongside my dog, Indie, who is calm, gentle and used to being in the therapy space. Some clients find that having Indie present helps them feel more at ease, particularly when discussing difficult or emotional topics. If you would prefer a session without a dog, that is absolutely no problem — this is entirely your choice.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
I bring 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people and adults across social care and therapeutic settings, including Child Protection, Youth Offending and Leaving Care services.
Alongside my counselling work, I am a qualified Social Worker and have worked in specialist safeguarding roles within local authorities, education and healthcare settings. This includes supporting individuals and families facing complex, often traumatic life circumstances.
I have particular experience working with:
- Survivors of domestic abuse
- Adults affected by childhood neglect or trauma
- Care-experienced young people and unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people
This background has given me a deep understanding of how early relationships and life experiences can shape emotional wellbeing, as well as the importance of consistent, trusting support in helping people move forward.
Professional Memberships
- British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Social Work England (SWE)
- Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
- Enhanced Criminal Record Checks vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Healthcode registered member and recognised provider for Insurance companies: AXA, Aviva, Vitality & WPA.
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.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Appointments are for 50 minutes and the fee is £70 (with discounted rates available if you’re on a limited income).
Please note: I run free counselling appointments for anyone care experienced. You can be referred to me via the Drive Forward Foundation.
When I work
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Mon-Friday 8am till 9pm.
Further information
If you would like to meet with me to establish if I am someone that you feel comfortable working with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me via my website barnardocounselling.com or email me.
Please note: due to the nature of my approach, I have found that clients get the best out of our sessions if they are held in-person (I am based in North London). This means I am not currently offering online therapy services.
