Richard Folkes, NCPS

Richard Folkes is a counsellor in the United Kingdom who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. He supports those dealing with addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and challenges around self-esteem. He also works with concerns such as sleep and eating difficulties, parenting strain, and coping with major life changes.

He approaches therapy from a client-centred perspective, believing people know their own stories and strengths. He uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy when these methods fit a person's needs. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and making difficult experiences easier to live with.

Richard has three years of professional experience and holds NCPS as a credential. He frames therapy as a collaborative process and aims to create an open, respectful space for honest conversation. The tone in sessions is straightforward and supportive rather than clinical.

People can expect work that looks at thought patterns, coping strategies and real-life actions. Richard helps break problems into manageable parts and practises techniques to reduce distress and improve daily routine. He encourages small, achievable changes that add up over time.

Sessions are offered in English and are available to international clients. He offers several online formats so people can pick the way that fits their life. The focus is on steady progress and building on existing strengths.

How his approaches work online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person's own perspective and strengths. The counsellor listens carefully and follows the client's lead to build understanding and confidence. This approach is helpful for people who want a respectful space to make sense of their experience.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions connect. It uses practical exercises and small behaviour changes to reduce anxiety, low mood and unhelpful patterns. This method can be useful for problems like stress, sleep issues and addiction-related behaviours.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and how symptoms present to decide which methods to try. Clients and the counsellor review progress and adjust the plan as needed so the work fits the person's life.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls suit a fuller face-to-face conversation, while phone sessions can be easier if video is not possible or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging are handy for shorter check-ins, brief reflections or fitting a session into a busy day. These options make it easier to keep continuity and practice skills between meetings.