- Client-centred
- Practical plans
- Collaborative approach
About Richard
Richard Whitenstall is a counsellor with 11 years of experience who founded Get There Counselling in 2021. He has worked with charities and community projects since 2013 and has supported clients internationally since 2023. Richard describes his style as client-centred and empowering, and he aims to help people take practical steps toward change.
Richard began placements at Hampshire charities No Limits and Cruse, then set up a counselling service for Positive21 in London from 2017 to 2019. He has worked as a project worker supporting LGBT young people facing exploitation, domestic abuse and neglect. He also co-authored a book, Strength to Talk, with proceeds donated to the charity Mind.
Over his career he has focused on issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship problems and men’s issues. He also works with concerns including addiction, ADHD, intimacy-related problems and chronic pain or illness. He lists additional focus areas like attachment issues, gender dysphoria and polyamory in his practice.
In sessions he keeps the pace set by the client and concentrates on practical changes. Conversations aim to identify what can be changed and make a simple plan. The aim is to help people manage everyday pressures and move through difficult life events.
Outside work he produces and co-hosts the podcast It’s Not You, It’s Them, which discusses mental health and personal growth. People looking to begin can expect a straightforward, down-to-earth approach that emphasises collaboration and realistic steps.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centred Therapy puts the person’s views and choices at the heart of sessions. It focuses on listening, reflection and following the pace that suits the client, which helps when people are uncertain about next steps.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It uses simple strategies to test and change unhelpful thinking patterns, which can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.
Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on small, practical steps and on what is already working. It helps people build plans that move them toward clear goals rather than dwelling on the past.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide what feels most helpful based on needs, goals and preferences. That way sessions change as progress is made.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking as formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow a quicker check-in when needed. Different ways of meeting also suit different practical needs, for example shorter audio check-ins or video sessions when face-to-face visual cues help.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What sorts of problems does Richard help with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression and grief, and those managing relationship strain, self-esteem or career pressures. His listing also notes work with addiction, ADHD, intimacy-related issues and chronic health concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centred approach that keeps the client in control of pace and focus. He combines this with practical planning and elements from other approaches to help make changes.
What background does he bring to counselling?
He has worked in charity counselling placements and ran a counselling service for a London charity. He also has project experience supporting LGBT young people at risk and has co-authored a book on men’s mental health.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is listed with BACP and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or countries?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service when booking.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.