Richard Bamford

For as long as I can remember, human emotional responses and thought processes have fascinated and sometimes confused me. What we think, feel and do dictates our every day; broadcasting live to the world around us; improvising as we grow and learn.

At times, though, I had a sense that maybe our life wasn’t so spontaneous; almost like we’re following a script; taking direction and adapting to others’ expectations. This intrigue into our inner functioning and dysfunction lead me onto an investigative path of self-discovery. At this point I wasn’t sure why or even if this perception was common outside of my own head, so I decided to ask for help. I needed to find a professional with whom I could trust and bond with; someone that I could share my experiences of despair and joy. Little did I know that forming that relationship would kick-start my journey into studying counselling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and neuroscientific research.

My training has taught me that anger, fear, sadness and joy are part of life. Such authentic feelings are there for a reason, but when the balance is out of kilter, we may experience a range of difficulties which disturb the equilibrium of our thinking, feeling and behaviour as we fall back on our survival defences.

It is my belief and experience that lasting changes are founded on the relationship in the room between the client and therapist. I focus primarily on understanding your needs and if I am someone you can relate to and communicate with.

I’ve found that combining aspects of different approaches provides the most effective way of building a healthy relationship. Research suggests that the therapeutic relationship is the most important feature for a successful outcome during counselling or therapy. Enhancing that relationship can help you to feel safe, accepted and respected while also challenging you in a positive and constructive way.

Children and Young People:

Before meeting a young person under the age of 12, I ask to have an initial familiarisation session with their parent or carer.

I invite each prospective client to meet for a one-off 50 minute initial consultation. 

The initial session forms a crucial part of the process of my practice. It gives you the chance to meet with me without commitment and for me to share with you some of my thinking and give you a sense of what to expect in our sessions.

At the end of the meeting I ask you to take the time you need to consider whether or not you would like to proceed. Once we have agreed a time and day you will be asked to sign a contract accepting my terms and confidentiality.