Richard Whitelaw, BACP

Richard Whitelaw is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has six years of professional experience. He focuses on practical, down-to-earth support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, anger and low self-esteem. He aims to meet each person with respect, sensitivity and calm. Taking the first step can feel hard and he acknowledges the courage that involves.

His background includes steady work helping people manage motivation, confidence and depression alongside grief and loss. He draws on Client-Centred Therapy to keep the conversation focused on what matters to the client. He also uses Mindfulness to help people find steadier moments during times of chaos and Internal Family Systems to look at different parts of the self that can cause conflict.

Sessions are shaped to fit the person in front of him rather than following a fixed script. He listens for what a client needs and adapts the pace and focus accordingly. Simple, practical steps are mixed with reflective work to build clearer thinking and steadier feeling.

Richard also works with issues around abandonment and attachment, body image, and caregiver stress. He supports people facing communication problems, control issues, separation and midlife concerns. He is familiar with difficulties linked to guilt, shame, impulsivity and isolation.

People can expect a respectful, patient approach that emphasises listening and collaboration. He will work with each client to set goals and find ways to move forward that fit everyday life.

How his approaches translate to online support

Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of each session, so the counsellor mirrors concerns and follows whatever feels most pressing. This approach suits people who want to be heard and helped to find their own solutions. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and build calmer moments, which can help with stress, anxiety and low mood. Internal Family Systems looks at different parts of a person’s inner life and helps them understand conflicting feelings and impulses, which can clarify patterns like guilt, shame or impulsivity.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will check in about goals, preferences and what feels useful, and then try methods that match those aims. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so the plan can change if needed. This is a collaborative process rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Confirm current session options before booking because specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also work well when someone prefers not to use video or needs a different pace. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements so sessions can slot into everyday routines.