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, Communication problems, 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, Sexuality, 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.
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
Rich is very considerate; he recalls and checks in about developing situations in a compassionate and mindful way. This is especially important in telehealth, where the context of a situation/environment can impact what is safe to discuss during a session. I feel that he cares more about my progress and wellbeing than other telehealth practitioners I've had through various platforms in the past, and he is knowledgeable about a range of issues and therapeutic interventions. He's really making a helpful difference in my currently-tumultuous life!
Written on Oct 22, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Richard is fantastic; I really think he has helped me turn my life around and given me the tools to help make lasting change
Written on Sep 26, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Very supportive and very receptive.
Written on Sep 10, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Richard is very open and kind, he remembers what we last spoke about and gives me practical support and ideas to try. He offers me reassurance that my feelings are valid - which is something I struggle with. He’s helped me overcome some fears that were really effecting me - thank you so much!
Written on Aug 03, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and coping with life changes
Richard has a fantastic skill in being able to attentively listen to my concerns in an empathatic way. His manner is friendly, trusting and approachable. From our very first session I felt a connection with Richard which helped hugely in giving me that constructive and safe space to talk.
Written on Mar 20, 2024 after therapy with Richard for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes