Richard Whitenstall

• Client-centred approach
• Cognitive behavioural tools
• Solution-focused work

About Richard

Richard Whitenstall works on stress, anxiety, relationship issues, depression and a wide range of personal concerns using a client-centred approach focused on practical change. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 11 years' experience in counselling.

Richard trained and worked across community and charity settings from 2013, including placements with Hampshire services No Limits and Cruse. He set up and ran a counselling service for Positive21 in London between 2017 and 2019 and later founded Get There Counselling in 2021. Since 2023 he has worked with international clients through an online counselling service.

His work addresses common problems such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief and sleeping difficulties, and extends to areas like addiction, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues. He also offers support for gender dysphoria and LGBT concerns, and has experience with men's issues, polyamory and alternative sex cultures including BDSM and kink.

Richard uses client-centred work supported by cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused methods. Sessions focus on what clients want to change, accepting what cannot be changed, and drawing up small practical steps to try between meetings. He aims to move at a pace that feels manageable for each person.

Outside counselling he co-authored a book raising funds for Mind and co-hosts a podcast about mental health. His background includes project work with at-risk LGBT young people and presenting to professionals on youth mental health risks.

How his approaches fit with online counselling

A client-centred approach puts the client's concerns and goals first, with the counsellor listening and responding to what matters most to the individual. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) uses practical techniques to notice and test unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be useful for anxiety, depression and sleeping problems. Solution-focused work concentrates on small, achievable steps and what will look different when things improve.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Richard will discuss options and help decide which methods suit a person's needs, goals and preferences. That choice is made together and can change as therapy progresses.

The biography indicates he has worked with international clients but does not list specific session formats, so confirm the exact options before booking. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work or caring commitments, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. These practical benefits help people keep regular contact with a counsellor while managing other commitments.

Topics Richard lists

• Stress and anxiety
• LGBT
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem
• Coping with life changes
• Addictions
• Family conflicts
• Trauma and abuse
• Grief
• Intimacy-related issues
• Sleeping disorders
• Career difficulties
• Depression
• ADHD
• Attachment issues
• BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
• Chronic pain, illness, and disability
• Communication problems
• Divorce and separation
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Family problems
• Gender dysphoria
• Guilt and shame
• HIV and AIDS
• Men's issues
• Polyamory and non-monogamous relationships
• Process addictions
• Self-harm
• Sex addiction
• Sexuality
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Workplace issues
• Young adult issues

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy

Questions about Richard

Does he work with anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety and stress are listed as primary concerns he addresses.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He practises client-centred counselling and also uses cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused methods.

How long has he been counselling?

He has 11 years' experience in counselling across charity and private practice settings.

Where is he based and registered?

He is based in the United Kingdom and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Can I have sessions in English if I live abroad?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

What session formats does he use?

The original biography notes work with international clients but does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start with him?

Start by selecting the Talk to a counsellor online button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.