Counsellor profile
Richard Gordon-Smith , NCPS
Counsellor for stress and relationships
See online counselling options- Person centred
- CBT elements
- Emotion‑focused work
About Richard
Counsellor Richard Gordon-Smith is a member of NCPS and has 13 years' experience working with a wide range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns. He also lists depression, addictions, grief, trauma, ADHD and issues around intimacy and self‑esteem among his areas of focus. Sessions are conducted in English and he practises from the United Kingdom.
Richard trained in psychology and completed an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling at the University of Manchester. He describes his work as integrative, drawing on person‑centred ideas, emotion‑focused work, cognitive approaches and psychodynamic thinking. This mix shapes how he listens and the kinds of conversations he invites.
In session he aims to help people talk through what is most troubling them now and to look at patterns that keep problems repeating. Practical ideas from cognitive approaches may be used alongside deeper exploration of past experience and attachment. He also uses shorter, solution‑focused steps where people want direct, goal‑oriented work.
Richard mentions specific interests such as male mental health, self‑esteem and coping with life change. He also works with matters like family problems, fatherhood issues, body image and aspects of alternative sexual culture. He accepts international clients and runs work from the UK.
People who contact him start by explaining what they hope to change. After an initial discussion they decide together how to proceed, with a mix of listening, practical strategies and reflection depending on the issue.
How his approaches work for online counselling
Richard uses attachment‑based ideas to look at how early relationships affect current patterns. This approach helps when intimacy, trust or repeated relationship issues are the main problem.He also draws on client‑centred principles, which means sessions often start with open listening and the client's priorities. This is useful for people who want space to talk things through and set the pace of work.
Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and try practical experiments in everyday life. These steps can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems where people want concrete actions to try between sessions.
Finding the right mix is part of the process and he will work with the client to agree what feels useful. That conversation includes discussing goals, preferences and how much practical or reflective work is wanted.
Please confirm which session formats are offered before booking, as the profile does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around work, reduce travel and allow shorter check‑ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often adapt activities so they work well by video or phone, and the therapist will explain how he plans to use different approaches in remote sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he most often help with?
He lists stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues among his main areas. Other focuses include depression, addictions, grief and trauma.
What style of counselling does he use?
He describes an integrative style that combines person‑centred work, emotion‑focused approaches, CBT and psychodynamic ideas. The mix is chosen to suit each person's needs.
How long has he been working in this field?
He has 13 years' experience in mental health and counselling practice.
Which professional body is he registered with?
He is listed with NCPS as the credential shown in his profile.
Can I have sessions in another language or from abroad?
Sessions are offered in English. He does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as the profile does not list specific formats.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to talk to him?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.