Richard Donaldson

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, but living with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship difficulties, addictive behaviours, work-related stress or feeling stuck can feel even harder.

If something in your life isn’t working ........ recognising that is already a powerful first step.

Over my many years of practice, my clients have found working with me has enabled them to make significant changes and improvements to their lives. 

Counselling and Therapy in Bristol and Online Across the UK
I offer confidential, compassionate counselling and therapy in Bristol, as well as online therapy across the UK. I work with individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, addiction, behavioural patterns, stress, burnout and difficulties finding balance between work and life.

I also offer walking therapy in Bristol — a gentle and effective approach that combines counselling with movement and the outdoors. Walking therapy can be particularly helpful if sitting face-to-face in a therapy room feels uncomfortable or intense, or if you find it easier to think and talk while moving.

A Bristol Therapist With Real-World Experience
My background spans both therapy and business, giving me a broad understanding of the pressures, expectations and challenges that can affect our mental health and relationships.

I have worked with elite athletes managing performance anxiety, high-performing professionals in business, television and music navigating pressure, identity and expectations, and individuals who have reached a point where they feel they have completely lost hope.

My voluntary work within the prison system has also strengthened my belief in people's capacity for change, recovery and personal growth.

Very little surprises me. Whatever you bring to counselling, you will be met with openness, respect, compassion and discretion. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start therapy, and you don't need to know exactly what is wrong. We can begin wherever you are.

Anxiety, Relationships, Addiction and Life Balance
People come to therapy for many different reasons. You may be struggling with anxiety or low self-esteem, finding relationships difficult, dealing with addictive behaviours, feeling overwhelmed by work or questioning whether your current lifestyle is sustainable.

Perhaps you are successful professionally but struggling personally. Maybe work has started to take over your life, leaving little space for relationships, family, rest or yourself. Or you may feel caught in patterns of behaviour that you understand intellectually but find difficult to change.

Counselling can provide a confidential space to understand what is happening beneath these patterns, explore what is keeping you stuck and begin finding a healthier, more balanced way forward.

Therapy at Your Pace
Every therapeutic relationship is unique. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we work together at your pace, focusing on what feels safe, useful and manageable for you.

Many people worry that if they open the door to difficult emotions, everything will come flooding out at once. Therapy doesn't have to work that way. We don't revisit painful experiences before you have the internal resources to manage them safely.

Change can happen gradually. Therapy is not about forcing you to confront everything at once. It is about developing greater understanding, building emotional resilience and creating the stability you need to move forward.

Together, we can explore the patterns shaping your thoughts, feelings, relationships and behaviours, establish clear boundaries and develop a practical path forward.

Whether you are looking for short-term counselling for a specific issue or longer-term, open-ended therapy, we can find an approach that works for you.

A Different Way Forward
Change doesn't have to be overwhelming. It can be steady, supported and empowering.

If you're looking for a Bristol counsellor or therapist to help with anxiety, relationships, addiction, behaviours, stress or finding a healthier balance between work and life, I'm here to help.

Taking the first step can be difficult. You don't have to take the whole journey at once.

It's good to talk.

It's good to talk.

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.