Heartbeat Counselling
Counselling in Hertfordshire
Counselling and Clinical Supervision
Online or in person
About Me
Richard Bird BSc (Hons) MBACP - Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Hi, my name is Richard Bird, thank you for visiting my website. In these challenging times, it is as important as ever to self-care and look after our mental well-being.
I guess my USP is that in my former career, I have 30 years experience working up to Director level in Investment banking in the City of London. I worked mainly for banks, such as Barclays, Deutsche bank and Lehman Brothers. If you are someone who values experience like this, we might be a good match
Whilst I work with all types of clients, I have particular experience with:
Professionals from all walks of life
Helping people to successfully make changes in their working lives
Working with people living with chronic health conditions to help them achieve their goals
I believe Counselling can be highly effective in enabling all of us to deal with personal issues that we all encounter at times in our lives.
The way I work is to enable you, the client to lead the agenda and to explore any areas that you would like to. I can offer short term or longer term work, particularly integrating Person-centred and Psychodynamic counselling modalities.
I offer individual and couples counselling. I'm happy to work with Counselling students also, please call to discuss.
Fees: £50 per session for single clients. £60 for couples.
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling as well as a Diploma in Clinical Supervision.
In addition to Private Practice, I teach Counselling skills at a Further Education College and I am a Well-being Counsellor for a Nationwide health charity.
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I abide by it's Code of Ethics.
Face to face counselling sessions take place in beautiful private rooms within a Grade 2 listed building on Harpenden High Street in Hertfordshire.
If it's more suitable, I can offer remote sessions via Zoom, alternatively, I can offer Walk and Talk sessions outside if you prefer.
Thought-Based Approach
Support That Makes a Difference
Men
Lots of men can struggle with dealing with life issues, finding it difficult to express what's going on from them. As such, their go emotion tends to be anger. Anger gets a bad press, but actually it can be seen as a warning system that something's not right. By exploring feelings such as anger, we can work together to see what's really going on, and with that awareness, make a plan for change.
Walk and talk therapy
Who ever said that therapy needs to take place indoors? If you prefer, we can arrange to meet at an outdoor location and take it from there. Talking outside can be less inhibiting sometimes and feel a bit more natural. Bring a brolly.
Long term illness
As someone who was born with a complicated health condition, I feel that I understand what you may be going through if you have a long term illness. Associated depression and anxiety can be explored and acknowledged in our confidential sessions. Increased self-awareness can bring about movement in terms of acceptance of our conditions and the possibility of change in how they influence our lives.
Working Professionals
Enabling choice
The constant change in our work may impact on many aspects of our lives, such as relationships, health and personal fulfillment. With three decades of industry experience, I believe that I am well placed to help you navigate your options, particularly with regards to your core values and personal ambitions. Our sessions are, understandably, discreet and confidential.
Clinical Supervision
Supporting your Counselling Practice
Clinical Supervision
My aim is to nurture and support my supervisees with integrity and a sense of humour. I integrate the functional, cyclical and 7 eyed models of supervision to help you work through all the issues you may be experiencing in your Counselling practice.
My modality
It's important that there is an alignment in our Counselling modalities. I'm an integrative therapist, using techniques mainly from Person centred, Psychodynamic and CBT approaches. I work with both couples and single clients. I don't work with children under 16.
Clinical Supervision experience
I qualified in 2021 with a Diploma in Clinical Supervision (Level 6, CPCAB accredited.) I currently work with a mixture of student and experienced Counsellors based in the Home Counties area, who work in a broad range of settings.
"This too shall pass."
Anonymous Persian saying
Client Testimonials
"Heartfelt thanks for your help and support. I feel our sessions have helped me enormously during this difficult time."
Female client
"When my husband was diagnosed with dementia, my world fell apart. He was my best friend and the person that I always turned to, he was slowly turning into a person that I did not know. Having Richard to talk to kept me sane and helped me be strong enough to carry on. I am so grateful that he continues to see me."