Richard Lessels

Welcome

My name is Richard and I operate Shropshire Therapy. I've been operating as a therapist since 2015, during which time I have worked with a wide range of people and a great variety of issues.

The Benefits of Counselling

For most clients life has become too painful or confusing for them to continue as they had been. Counselling offers the chance to explore what is going on in a safe and non-judgemental environment. For many clients, simply saying out loud how they feel is the first step towards achieving a greater peace of mind. 

Your First Session

It is understandable to be apprehensive about your first appointment. For most people they have been carrying around any worries for a while. Sharing those thoughts can be a nerve racking experience! But rest assured, you are not alone in feeling that way. And nor are you alone in being able to work through such thoughts. 

During your first session I wish to hear your story, it is as simple as that. The time is yours to give as much or as little as you feel comfortable in doing. My role is to listen, to detect anything important and to tell you what I've heard. 

I will also explain how the relationship between us works, my code of ethics and administrative matters, such as making or cancelling appointments and payment of fees. 

At the end of the first session we can decide if we can work together and look to make a further appointment. 

My Qualifications and Approach

I have studied Transactional Analysis and Integrative Psychotherapy at the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy and Elan Training & Development. Transactional Analysis is a form of psychological therapy that focuses on the relationships with ourselves and others. It helps us to understand how we relate to others, and how others relate to us.  

My approach assumes that the quality of our meeting is more crucial than any technique or theory, and that different issues have meanings particular to the individual. My role is to detect aspects of which you may be unconscious of, and to offer these for consideration.

Ultimately, my aim is to help clients better understand themselves and support them through any period of sadness, grieving or life changes that are happening.

Appointments

Appointments last for 1 hour and are usually conducted face to face on a weekly basis. I also offer on-line sessions for those who would rather use this approach. Sessions on-line can be just as productive as meeting in person. This is especially true for those with family and work commitments, as well as people who have social anxiety or other related conditions.