Richard Whitelaw , BACP

Richard Whitelaw is a UK-credentialed therapist with six years of professional experience and membership of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). He works with people facing stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger, self-esteem and confidence concerns, and issues around motivation.

Alongside these core areas, Richard offers support for challenges such as abandonment and attachment issues, body image concerns, caregiver stress, communication and control difficulties, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, impulsivity, loneliness, life purpose questions, men's issues, midlife transitions, and money-related worries. His practice blends practical listening with evidence-informed techniques to help clients make sense of their feelings and take manageable steps forward.

Richard approaches each person with sensitivity, respect, and compassion, tailoring conversations and a treatment plan to the specific needs of the individual. He recognises that beginning therapy requires courage and aims to provide a steady, respectful space where people can explore concerns and work toward clearer goals at their own pace.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Richard draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Internal Family Systems in his practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client's lead - this approach helps people strengthen self-worth and clarify personal goals. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical grounding skills to reduce reactivity and manage stress and anxiety. Internal Family Systems works with different parts of a person's inner world, helping to understand conflicting feelings and build greater internal cooperation, which can be useful for issues like shame, guilt, and relationship patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Richard collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts techniques over time so treatment stays relevant and responsive to progress.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals. These formats can fit into busy lives, reduce travel time, and provide different ways to communicate so people can choose what works best for them.