Richard Whitenstall, BACP

Richard Whitenstall is a Gestalt counsellor and the founder of Get There Counselling, a private practice he established in 2021. He holds the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and brings a practical, client-centred approach to his work.

His counselling career began with placements at Hampshire charities No Limits and Cruse in 2013, and between 2017 and 2019 he set up and ran a counselling service for Positive21, a London-based charity. He has also co-authored Strength to Talk, a book focused on men’s mental health, with all proceeds donated to the charity Mind.

Richard has experience as a project worker supporting LGBT young people at risk of sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, and neglect, and in 2014 he presented at the CAMHS County Forum to help mental health professionals better understand the risks facing LGBT youth. His practice specialises in areas such as men’s issues, anxiety, relationship challenges, depression, stress, and grief, and he works in ways that empower clients to set the pace and focus on achievable change.

Outside counselling he produces and co-hosts the podcast It’s Not You, It’s Them, which promotes open conversations about mental health and personal growth. Since 2023 he has also worked internationally with clients through online channels. Richard aims to support people through change so they do not have to manage difficult steps alone.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Richard commonly draws on client-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and solution-focused therapy, selecting the approaches that suit each person’s needs. Client-centred therapy focuses on creating a supportive, non-directive space where the client’s priorities lead the work and personal strengths are built on - this can help with relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and grief. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and offers practical strategies to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep problems. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on identifying goals and small, achievable steps toward change, which can be especially useful for coping with life transitions and improving communication.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and Richard works collaboratively with clients to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts methods as the work evolves so therapy remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions around work, family, or other commitments. For many people this flexibility increases accessibility and continuity of care, and registered professionals can use these options to tailor timing and format to each client’s situation.