Counselling in Bournemouth | Straight-Talking Therapy For Real Life
Professional counselling in person and online, focused on clarity, control, and lasting change
Honest, Practical Therapy That Makes Sense
Professional, Experienced Counselling in Bournemouth
I’m Richard Dolan, accredited counsellor and founder of Check Your Head Counselling. I’m an experienced therapist who has worked with hundreds of clients over thousands of hours to help them live happier, healthier lives. I support people across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, both in person, outdoors, and online.
I work with people who are ready to face what’s not working and do something about it - we don’t just talk - we work through what’s keeping you stuck. This is about understanding patterns and changing them.
If you can relate to that, you are in the right place to get the help and support you need to live your life the way you want to, not the way you currently are.
When Life Isn't Working Out, Therapy Can Help
You might feel stuck, worn down, or frustrated with the same patterns repeating. Stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or past experiences can quietly take over and start running the show. Counselling gives you space to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and start making changes that actually hold.
You Don’t Need to Be in Crisis for Counselling to Work
You don’t have to be falling apart to come to counselling. Many people start therapy because something feels off — not dramatic, just unsustainable. If you know something needs to change, that’s enough. Counselling can help you deal with issues early, before they become heavier and harder to manage.
Is Counselling Right For You?
This is honest, practical therapy. We focus on understanding what’s really going on, not ticking boxes or rushing you through techniques. It works best if you're willing to be open, take responsibility, and put the work in.
This approach suits people who want to understand themselves better and are willing to engage honestly with the process, at a pace that feels steady and manageable.
What I Can Help With
I am experienced offering therapy across a range of issues including:
- Anxiety, depression, and ongoing stress
- Low mood and emotional burnout
- Relationship and communication issues
- Trauma and difficult past experiences
- Feeling stuck, lost, or disconnected
- Men's mental health
- Divorce and separation
- Autism, ADHD, and Neurodiversity
A Real Connection
Some people arrive here after trying to make sense of things alone — through books, podcasts, or even AI — because they don’t feel properly heard elsewhere. That makes sense, it can be hard to feel understood in a world that can feel confusing and overwhelming at times.
But, real change comes from speaking openly with another human being, in a space that’s confidential, grounded and focused on you.
My approach is relational - I'm not just there to nod or ask you how you feel - it's about two human beings connecting in a relatable way.
If It's Affecting Your Mental Health or Quality of Life, It's Worth Talking About
To learn more about how I work, or what Walk & Talk and online counselling sessions might feel like, you can explore my services, read my blog, or review my pricing options, or to hear what other people I've worked with think, take a look at my Google reviews.
If you’re ready to talk, you’re welcome to book a free consultation call, just click the button below, and I guarantee a response within 24 hours.
This is your life — and getting support sooner rather than later can make a real difference to it.
