Registration on file

Richard Whitenstall, BACP

Richard Whitenstall is a counsellor with 11 years' experience who works from the United Kingdom and with international clients.

Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Relationship issues
+31 more

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About Richard

Richard Whitenstall is a counsellor with 11 years' experience who works from the United Kingdom and with international clients. He draws on a client-centred style to help people facing anxiety, depression, relationship stress and other life challenges. He presents a calm, practical approach that focuses on small, achievable steps.

He began his counselling work in 2013, working with charities supporting bereavement and youth services. He later ran a counselling service for a London charity and has supported LGBT young people at risk of exploitation and abuse.

Background and approach

He also co-authored a book that raised funds for mental health charity Mind. Richard helps people address a wide range of concerns including stress, self-esteem, addiction, grief, trauma and sexual health matters. He works with issues around intimacy, attachment, gender dysphoria, and non-monogamous relationships, and supports people coping with chronic illness and pain.

His practice blends practical talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused work with a client-centred attitude. Sessions aim to identify small, realistic goals and practical ways to reach them while acknowledging what cannot be changed. Outside of therapy he co-hosts a podcast about mental health and personal growth.

He encourages people to take the first step even when it feels difficult, and to set a pace that feels right for them.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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Registration

Body	Registration number	Expires
BACP	191764	July 2026

Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.

Check on the BACP register

Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Richard lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, 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 / 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

Ways of working Richard names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor lists and does not check training records.

How these approaches work online

Richard uses client-centred work to focus on what matters most to the person. That approach involves listening, reflecting and letting the client lead the pace and direction of sessions. It helps when someone needs space to be heard and to make sense of difficult feelings.

He also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. CBT is practical and problem-focused, and can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems by teaching skills to change unhelpful patterns.

Solution-focused work is brief and goal-oriented. It helps people spot small changes they can build on and set clear, achievable steps toward their aims.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapy process. He will work collaboratively to choose methods that match each person's goals, needs and preferences, and will review progress as therapy continues.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls suit conversations that need visual connection, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or live chat can fit short check-ins or busy schedules. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and location while keeping the focus on practical change.

Frequently asked

What concerns does he help with?

He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship challenges, plus a wide range of other issues such as addiction, trauma, ADHD and sexual health matters.

What is his therapeutic style?

He works in a client-centred way combined with cognitive behavioural and solution-focused techniques. This means sessions focus on the person's priorities and practical steps to reach them.

How long has he been practising?

He has been practising for 11 years, with experience in charity settings and running a counselling service in London.

Where is he based and what credential does he hold?

He practises from the United Kingdom and is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.

Can I work with him if I live abroad?

Yes. He accepts international clients and offers sessions for people based outside the UK.

Which session formats are offered?

Sessions are available by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.