Jonathan Wilkes , BACP

Jonathan Wilkes is an integrative psychosynthesis counsellor based in central Bristol, UK, who has worked with clients online and face to face since 2018 and has four years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy. He draws on many years of prior practice supporting adults and young people with complex mental health needs and learning difficulties, offering a calm, attentive presence for those facing depression, anxiety, anger, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, childhood trauma, self-esteem struggles, eating issues, emotional dysregulation, suicidal feelings, and the stresses of major life changes.

He aims to create a warm, friendly and accepting atmosphere and listens with care so clients feel heard, seen and understood. His work is grounded in the basic principles of empathy, congruence and unconditional acceptance - the therapeutic foundation he brings to sessions. Jonathan believes the counselling relationship develops organically over time; weekly meetings allow mutual trust and understanding to grow, which in turn supports deeper honesty and authenticity in the work.

He welcomes the expression and release of emotion as a natural part of healing and meets clients where they are, working at a pace that suits each person. Psychosynthesis is a flexible system and he integrates techniques from other approaches when appropriate, including cognitive behavioural therapy, existential and gestalt ideas, breathing and meditation practices, and body-based awareness. His current qualifications include a Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis from the Psychosynthesis Trust, a BSc (Hons) Psychology from the University of the West of England, a Certificate in Regression Therapy, a 500-hour Yoga teacher training certificate, a foundation qualification in Ayurvedic Astrology, and accreditation with the BACP - the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Jonathan blends client-centered work with evidence-informed techniques to support people in online therapy. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a non-judgemental, accepting space where the client’s experience is listened to deeply; it helps with building self-understanding, self-esteem and repairing relational wounds. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and is often used for anxiety, depression and repetitive negative thinking. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be particularly helpful for emotional overwhelm and patterns of self-harm or intense mood swings.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Jonathan will work with each person to explore goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, adapting methods over time as needs evolve. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine approaches to match the individual rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging make therapy more flexible and accessible for different schedules and needs. These options allow people to meet with a therapist from home or another convenient location, maintain continuity during life changes, and choose the format that best supports how they feel and communicate.