Richard Gordon-Smith

Richard Gordon-Smith is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting pressures and issues around self-esteem and depression. He also supports those dealing with addiction, trauma, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, anger and major life changes. Richard uses straightforward conversation to help people understand what they are feeling and to find practical ways forward.

Richard studied psychology and then completed an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling with the University of Manchester. He holds NCPS and has worked in mental health for thirteen years. His background gives him experience with a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, bipolar and compassion fatigue.

In sessions he works in an integrative way. That means he draws on client-centred approaches, emotion-focused work, cognitive behavioural techniques and psychodynamic ideas. He aims to tailor the way he works to what each person needs rather than following one fixed method.

Richard aims to make therapy a calm and non-judgemental space where difficult things can be discussed without pressure. Conversations often focus on understanding patterns, managing intense feelings, and trying small practical steps between sessions. He also offers solution-focused tools for people who want clear short-term goals.

People come to him for help with relationship challenges, family and parenting concerns, and with identity and body-image worries. He also supports people navigating recovery, attachment issues, and the emotional impact of separation or bereavement.

How different approaches fit into online counselling

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape how people connect now. It can help with issues like abandonment, attachment struggles and long-standing patterns in relationships. Client-Centred Therapy puts the person’s experience at the centre and relies on listening and acceptance to help someone feel understood and explore their own answers. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and offers practical strategies for anxiety, low mood and stress.

Finding the right approach often takes a bit of time and discussion. The therapist will work collaboratively to match methods to what matters most to the client, using whichever combination of these approaches best fits their goals and preferences.

The biography does not specify particular online session types, so please confirm available formats before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and offer a quieter window for a check-in. Some people prefer shorter phone calls for brief updates, while others like video meetings that allow a fuller face-to-face conversation. Registered or accredited professionals can use these different ways of meeting to make therapy more practical for everyday life.