Richard Donaldson

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BA (Hons), FdSc, MNCS Accred

About me

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You might be used to coping on your own. You might tell yourself things “aren’t that bad.” But if you’re feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, stuck, struggling in relationships, or quietly battling low self-esteem or addictive patterns, you don’t have to manage it alone.

As an experienced counsellor, I offer a warm, confidential space where you can slow down, breathe, and begin to untangle what’s going on. I provide therapy in Bristol & London face-to-face, and online sessions across the UK, and in-person appointments in London.

A Safe, Supportive Space
Many people worry that if they open up, their emotions will become overwhelming — that once the lid comes off, everything will spill out. Therapy doesn’t work like that.

We go at your pace.

I will never push you to revisit painful experiences before you feel ready. Building safety and stability always comes first. Together, we create a space where difficult feelings can be explored carefully, respectfully, and without judgment.

Experience With High-Pressure Lives
Before becoming a therapist, I built a career in business, so I understand pressure, responsibility, and the weight that high performance can carry. Alongside my private practice, I’ve worked with elite athletes managing anxiety, high-performing professionals in business, TV and music, and individuals who felt they had completely lost hope. I also volunteer within the prison system, supporting people to rebuild their sense of self and direction.

Very little surprises me. Whatever you bring, you’ll be met with calmness, openness and discretion.

How We Work Together
Every counselling relationship is unique. As your Bristol counsellor, I tailor therapy to you — your history, your goals, and your pace.

Together we can:

Explore anxiety, depression and low mood
Work through relationship or family difficulties
Address low self-esteem and identity struggles
Understand addictive or self-sabotaging behaviours
Navigate life transitions, burnout or feeling “stuck”
I offer short-term therapy for specific challenges, as well as longer-term open-ended counselling for deeper exploration.

I also provide walking therapy in Bristol — a gentle, grounding way to process thoughts while moving outdoors.

Taking the First Step
Reaching out can feel vulnerable. But recognising that something needs to change is already a powerful beginning.

If you’re looking for therapy or counselling in Bristol or West London, I’m here to offer a steady, supportive space to help you move forward — safely and at your own pace.

It’s good to talk.

Training, qualifications & experience

FDA Counselling University of Plymouth

BA (Hons) UWE Bristol

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£140.00 per session

Additional information

Sessions are priced at £140

Sessions are either online via platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet & Teams, or face-to-face (in-person) at one of my Therapy Rooms in Bristol (BS1 Harbourside) & London (Twickenham & Richmond on Thames).

I also offer a limited number of incredible Walking Therapy appts in Bristol & London. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

10 Liberty Gardens, Caledonian Road, Bristol, City of Bristol, BS1 6JW

The Practice Rooms, 1 Union Court, Sheen Road, Richmond upon Thames, TW9 1AA

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Zoom
Whatsapp

Social