Paul Whitehead (Vidyapala)

I am passionate about psychotherapy because it creates a space to safely explore the themes of your life, particularly those areas that feel stuck. 

I’ve been curious about myself, others, and the world around me for as long as I can remember. This curiosity has taken me to many places: I’ve worked front-line and in management positions in community development and public health; I’m an ordained Buddhist and have spent years meditating and studying on retreat; I’ve spent time as a Trustee and on educational advisory bodies; I teach meditation and mindfulness and I’ve enjoyed working with a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures. 

My therapeutic work is relational and body-oriented. We can’t fully heal and grow just by changing our thinking – although thinking is important, too. Gestalt psychotherapy offers a genuinely holistic approach to human flourishing.  Therefore, as well as traditional talk therapy, I integrate body and breath awareness techniques and compassion-focused practices with traditional talking therapy methods. I also use creative ways of working, for example, through art and writing.

I am particularly interested in existential themes around finding meaning and purpose in life. I have found my approach works especially well with people who:

  • Are pretty self-aware but get stuck in their head
  • Feel anxious and get stuck in patterns, stories and ‘overthinking’
  • Are grieving or facing a life-limiting illness
  • May be confronting spiritual or religious problems or crises
  • Feel like they may be at a crossroads in their life and want to explore the next step
  • Are dealing with trauma, depression, shame or anxiety and don’t know where to turn.

 

I specialise in supporting people with grief, bereavement and other significant transitions in their lives. I also have a particular interest in working with people who may be confronting spiritual or religious problems or crises.

I have completed four years of Accredited Gestalt Psychotherapy Training* from the Manchester Gestalt Centre, which is a registered training institute of the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP), the official body for the training and registration of psychotherapists. 

I’m insured to practice and work to the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the GPTI (Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute) which operates under the umbrella of the UKCP)

*Currently awaiting final accreditation

Psychotherapy

Paul Whitehead
www.paulwhitehead.co.uk
Tel: 07921823926
Email: paulwhiteheadtherapy@gmail.com

or send an enquiry via the Book Appointment button on the Counselling and Psychotherapy page

Cost:
£40-£60 (depending on your financial circumstances)