I am a Gestalt Counsellor and founder of Get There Counselling, a private practice I established in 2021. Since 2023, I have also worked internationally with clients through BetterHelp. My counselling journey began in 2013, with placements at Hampshire charities No Limits and Cruse. From 2017 to 2019, I set up and ran a counselling service for Positive21, a London-based charity. I also co-authored Strength to Talk, a book dedicated to men’s mental health, with all proceeds supporting the charity Mind.
In addition to counselling, I have experience as a project worker supporting LGBT young people at risk of sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, and neglect. A career highlight was presenting at the CAMHS County Forum in 2014, where I enhanced mental health professionals’ understanding of the unique risks LGBT youth face. My areas of expertise include men’s issues, anxiety, relationship challenges, depression, stress, and grief.
Outside of counselling, I produce and co-host the podcast It’s Not You, It’s Them, a resource that fosters meaningful conversations around mental health and personal growth. My approach is client-centred and empowering: We move at our own pace, focus on the changes we want to make, accept what cannot be changed, and create a plan for what can. Thank you for visiting. Taking steps toward change can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Additional areas of focus: 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 / AIDS, Men's issues, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Sex addiction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #191764
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Richard Whitenstall. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
A big-hearted listener who cares and is there to help. Rich helped me get through change and be more aware of myself and develop emotional maturity. He is very knowledgeable and professional.
Written on Jan 23, 2025 after therapy with Richard for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Richard is kind and caring and his perspective has really helped me gain some insight into why I do things. Thanks to Richard’s help I’m better able to regulate my emotions, my relationships with people around me are improving, and I feel really positive about the future for the first time in ages.
Written on Jan 20, 2025 after therapy with Richard for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Richard was wonderful. Kept things very casual which made opening up to him extremely easy. He knew just what to say and when to say it to steer the conversation in the right direction without forcing the matter. Couldn't recommend Rich enough.
Written on Dec 27, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and intimacy-related issues
Richard is an amazing listener, gives me very suitable advice depending on the situation and where my mind is at. I feel a lot better and have clear view after sessions with him. Deeply appreciate that.
Written on Nov 26, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 2 weeks
Richard is a wonderful and kind person. He listens to me, supports me and asks questions to help me understand more about my journey. I’m so happy that I started this process and that I was matched to Richard.
Written on Nov 20, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, grief, eating disorders, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Whenever I listen to Richard, I pray that I would be like him. He sees things in a different perspective and gives you a huge picture of hope when you are healed. I am blessed to have met Rich and became my therapist.
Written on Nov 06, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes