Whilst serving in the Royal Air Force in 1999 I was directly involved in a major incident involving mass casualties; I subsequently re-trained within the Service as a practitioner psychologist specialising in rehabilitation from exposure to traumatic experiences and concerns relating to disfigurement.  Since leaving the RAF in 2012 I have continued to focus on supporting people involved in the aftermath of humanitarian aid and disaster scenarios, including the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017, principally within the charity sector.

In addition to working as a consultant psychologist with a Gloucestershire-based company providing support to people with learning disabilities and/or poor mental health, I run a private practice offering specialist and evidence-based support to those who have encountered trauma, but may not have had the opportunity to process the event(s) and thus are experiencing symptoms which restrict their ability to enjoy a full, happy and positive lifestyle.  I am particularly well-placed to support those with an-ex Service background as I understand first-hand the demands and impact of enduring involvement in deployed military operations.

In addition to holding a doctorate degree in psychology, I have also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.  I am fully insured and hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate.

I offer a sensitive, calm and safe therapeutic environment which provides the opportunity to  openly discuss distressing events, concerns, emotions and fears. I will work with you in the first instance to identify triggers and to develop coping skills.  Thereafter, we will work through the DBT approach at a pace that suits you to identify and properly process the traumatic event(s) you may have experienced and to move forward positively.

I see an effective approach as being a joint effort between myself and the client; this includes a willingness to bring my own life experience into play where this may be relevant and helpful.

Whilst sessions normally take place at the Ownzone premises in Lansdown, I also provide the opportunity (should they wish) for clients to traverse the hills, valleys and waterways of Stroud with me so as to additionally benefit from The Calm which normally results from gentle exercise in green and blue spaces.  This twin-track approach has proved very effective with previous clients.

As a first step, please contact me by e-mail for an initial (and free) conversation about how I may be able to help.

“I have known Richard since 2015 when he became the Mental Health Adviser to Deptherapy (a charity supporting ex-Service people with life-changing physical or mental injuries (principally amputations and/or PTSD)).  I have seen at first-hand how he has gained the confidence and transformed the lives of many of our beneficiaries.  He is empathetic, a very effective listener and has invariably instilled constructive coping strategies and a positive outlook for those on his watchlist”. Dr Richard Cullen, Chair, Deptherapy.

“As Director Clinical & Compliance of the Grenfell Hope Project (following the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017) Richard ensured that the charity had mechanisms in place to safeguard the wellbeing of the bereaved, survivors, blue light services and volunteers.  Richard also carried out effective training and emotional support sessions with our volunteers and interacted supportively with individuals within the local community who were severely traumatised.”   Melissa Kizildemir Brigante,  CEO, Grenfell Hope Project and Founder, Mindset Aarhus.