I’m Richard Schafer, a professionally trained registered counsellor (MBACP).
I practice in Clapham SW4.
In 2003 I qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor and began private practice in 2004.
I have spent over 12 years working in the field of talking therapies as a clinical lead within statutory sector therapeutic residential settings.
I work to an integrative model which means that I work with different therapeutic principles, specifically applying psychodynamic and Person Centred theoretical principles.
This fits well with my personal philosophy in that I feel different people require different strategies to help them at different times during therapy. This philosophy has been developed from my professional training together with broad professional and personal life experiences.
I offer individual and couple counselling.
I am a long term registered member (No. 107865 ) of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists(BACP) and adhere to their code of conduct & ethics in my work.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Money and financial issues, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #107865
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Richard Schafer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Great man ! Great advice
Written on Feb 23, 2026 after therapy with Richard for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
My therapist Richard is very respectful, professional and understanding. I really appreciate his expertise and attentiveness helping me manage through my struggles and provided great guidance. Thank you so much!
Written on Feb 06, 2026 after therapy with Richard for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Wonderful therapist with a calming demeaner and a way of summerising your thoughts with a shift in perspective.
Written on Jan 15, 2026 after therapy with Richard for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Authentic, relational, direct and down to earth approach without it feeling like someone was dragging me face first through mud.
Richard is someone that helped me take an inner look at problems that I feel trapped in.
Great listener and supportive kind feedback, without giving me a coddled in bubblewrap feeling
Written on Jan 10, 2026 after therapy with Richard for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and career difficulties
Dear, I feel your professionalism and warmth, thank you. I will continue to feel, hoping for new experiences.❤️
Written on Nov 29, 2025 after therapy with Richard for 2 weeks on issues concerning grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Richard helped support me with a difficult personal situation, really listened to my worries and offered me good advice, and a different way of thinking about things!
Written on Nov 12, 2025 after therapy with Richard for 3 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, coping with life changes, and adhd