What people have said...
I've had couple of facilitation sessions with Richard and his presence makes me feel truly safe. It allows me to dive deeply into my issues, knowing I'm being held with great compassion. In the atmosphere he creates it feels like there's absolutely nothing that could shock him and make him judgmental, so there's no reasons to shy away with any issue no matter how ugly it might feel. I find it rare and deeply healing.
-Emilia, Finland
I really loved the awesome simplicity in Richard's approach which gave me confidence to be who I am and break out of certain spiritual identities. Its only possible because of his experience in breaking through similar identities. He resonated a feeling that I don't need to be more than what I already am and its really ok to feel and express my pain. To a degree I think I was hoping to be helped or wanted to be told my answers. But what i realized through the session was that its only me helping myself and what he offers is a safe and gentle place to activate that. He was ready to be vulnerable and uncertain which was a positive reflection for me since covering up my own uncertainty has been one of my continuous patterns. He can call you on some of your stuff when you least expect but most need to hear. I also had a great time chatting and laughing with him. I'm really looking forward for more of his sessions.
-Vimal, India
I undertook a facilitation process early in 2016 with Richard to look at an issue that has troubled me for many years. He encouraged me to describe how I currently felt about the issue and to see if there were any places that made me tight.
Richard has the ability to take these tight areas, look under their surface and intuitively put his finger on the much deeper issue. No, he did not ‘solve my problem’. He did however open up and suggest new pathways for me to explore, for me to take ownership of my own problem and thence to find my own solution. This, I have now done.
-Colin Gilbert, Bath England
I am a 57 year old woman, a nurse, a carer for my elderly mother and live with a husband with a long term illness. I myself have had anxiety problems for years and have dealt with my anxiety by going to the GP for medication and counseling. Neither of which have given me a long term solution. My anxiety has always come back even with the medication. I have had several sessions with Richard which has made me realize I have been suppressing my feelings for years instead of going with my anxieties, accepting them and moving on. His meditation part of the session has brought up feelings that have been buried for years. He has helped me to face my anxieties and slowly I am learning to approach my problems in a different way by accepting them instead of fighting them. He is also showing me how to live in the moment as my worries have always taken over my being and they become self-encompassing. This is a long journey and I will continue to let Richard help me on this journey – truly a very understanding, non-judgemental and compassionate man.
-Helen, UK
I was experiencing much confusion over who I am. I had searched all over the internet for something to help me, and finally came across Richard. I felt Richard was very kind, understanding and patient in our communication and over some time I started to recover. Richard gave me very good advice through a difficult time. I feel very grateful for what he has done for me.
-Selam, Ethiopia
From my Facilitator Profile on the Openhand website
Rich has worked with the Openhand approach some considerable time. He's shown immense aptitude for all matters spirituality and thrown himself fully into the work. He has a strong and solid presence, but is also empathic and gentle with it. (He has a good deal of "bear" energy!). So people feel held and safe, whilst at the same time, able to go deep and express their issues.
- Open (Openhand)