Ricardo's approach and qualifications

Ricardo's psychodynamic approach focuses on exploring how unconscious conflicts, early life experiences, and emotional patterns have shaped present behaviours and emotional challenges. He places particular emphasis on relational and attachment issues, recognising that early-life bonds profoundly influence our capacity for intimacy, trust, and emotional regulation. His work is informed by attachment theory and an interest in how early relational experiences continue to shape emotional life across development.

By addressing the root of his clients' issues, Ricardo helps them understand themselves and their narratives while developing strategies to overcome anxieties and behaviours that hinder emotional and psychological growth. He works collaboratively, helping clients make sense of recurring patterns rather than focusing solely on symptom management. Through a reparative therapeutic experience, he supports clients in rebuilding trust and forming healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others.

Ricardo practices from our Blackheath clinic, serving clients from Greenwich, Lewisham, and across South East and Cenrtal London, as well as online.

Working with teenagers and young people

Ricardo specialises in working with young people and teenagers. He helps his young clients understand themselves and their present and past experiences, make sense of their often confusing emotions and thoughts, and build a more secure, integrated sense of self. His approach is developmentally informed, recognising the specific emotional, relational, and identity challenges that arise during adolescence. By addressing both the internal and relational aspects of their experiences, he supports them in navigating key developmental milestones, enhancing resilience, and preparing for a more balanced and fulfilling adulthood. His expertise extends to working with neurodivergent young people and those facing childhood attachment issues stemming from trauma such as parental divorce and loss.

Male mental health

Ricardo has a particular interest in working with men who may struggle to articulate emotional distress, vulnerability, or relational needs. He offers a space where issues such as shame, anger, emotional withdrawal, identity pressure, and difficulties with intimacy can be explored without judgement. Drawing on a psychodynamic and attachment-informed approach, Ricardo helps men understand how early relational experiences, cultural expectations, and internalised roles shape their emotional lives, supporting them to develop greater emotional awareness, self-understanding, and more fulfilling relationships.

Addictive behaviours

When working with addictions, Ricardo focuses on the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to the addictive behaviours. By understanding the deeper meaning behind the addiction, clients can gain insight into their behaviour and begin to employ effective copying strategies . He views addictive behaviours as attempts to regulate difficult emotional states rather than isolated problems in themselves. Ricardo specialises in Behavioural Addictions, such as shopping, gambling, food, internet, social media, work and exercise addiction.

Parent work

Ricardo works relationally with both individuals and their families, recognising that the family system plays a key role in the adolescent’s and child’s development. e supports parents in understanding relational patterns, emotional communication, and attachment dynamics within the family system.

He prides himself on the capacity to develop positive therapeutic relationships with initially ambivalent clients. He does this through a deep consideration for the client’s sense of safety and works at creating a supportive environment where the often-turbulent dynamics of adolescence, including identity formation, peer relationships, and family tensions, can be expressed and made sense, to promote healthier familial interactions.