Richard Gordon-Smith , NCPS

Richard Gordon-Smith is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting strain, low self-esteem and sexual intimacy concerns. He works with issues such as depression, addictions, grief, trauma and sleep or eating problems. He also supports people with ADHD, bipolar mood challenges and those exploring kink and alternative sexual cultures. Richard holds NCPS credentialing and has 13 years of experience in mental health work.

He studied psychology before completing an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling with the University of Manchester. That training led him into roles across mental health where he has practised for over a decade. He describes his approach as integrative and adapts methods to suit the person in front of him rather than following a single formula.

In sessions he aims to offer a calm, non-judgemental space to talk through problems from the past or present. He draws on client-centred ways of working to prioritise what matters to the person and uses cognitive behavioural strategies to address unhelpful thinking and behaviour. Emotion-focused and psychodynamic ideas inform how he looks at feelings and patterns over time.

Richard often helps people untangle relationship patterns, tackle commitment or attachment worries, and rebuild self-worth. He can work with issues linked to addiction, parenting roles, fatherhood concerns and the effects of loss or separation. His practice welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and he offers sessions in English.

For those unsure where to begin he encourages a straightforward initial conversation to clarify goals and match the approach. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, and he accepts international clients.

How his approaches shape online work

Richard draws on Attachment-Based ideas to look at how early bonds affect current relationships and closeness. This helps when intimacy or trust is difficult and when people want to understand repeating patterns in partnerships.

He also uses Client-Centred Therapy to create an accepting space where the person sets the pace and focus. This approach supports people who need to feel heard while they work through difficult emotions or life transitions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss goals and preferences at the start and try different ways of working until the best combination is clear. The choice of methods evolves with progress and feedback from the person in therapy.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier fitting of sessions around work or family life and the option to avoid travel. Some people prefer shorter check-ins by phone when time or bandwidth is limited, while others opt for longer conversations that mirror face-to-face timing; please confirm which formats are offered before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can tailor pacing and exercises to suit everyday routines and commitments, helping therapy to slot into real life.