Paul Whitehead (Vidyapala)

A bit about me…

Hi, I’m Paul – though some people know me by my Buddhist name, Vidyapala, meaning Protector of Wisdom (no pressure!). I’m an ordained Buddhist with nearly two decades of meditation practice and teaching experience.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by life’s big questions: Why are we here? What is our purpose? How can we live more authentically? That curiosity has taken me on many adventures – outwardly, through extensive travel, and inwardly, through years of Buddhist study, silent retreat, Buddhism and meditation teaching.

Professionally, I’ve worked in both front-line and leadership roles in community development and public health, led programmes tackling poverty, and served as a trustee and educational advisor. These experiences deepened my belief that our personal healing is always connected to the wider social and cultural context we live in.

I’m passionate about Gestalt psychotherapy because – like Buddhism – it’s the most effective approach I’ve found for becoming more aware, kinder, and wiser.

I love getting out and exploring the beautiful Peak District with my beloved dog, Tom… who, if I’m honest, calls most of the shots in our relationship!

A Safe Space for Real Change

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or carrying pain that’s hard to name? You might be living with the effects of trauma, anxiety, grief, or simply a sense that something’s not quite right.

You don’t need to go through it alone.

I offer a warm, confidential space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to make sense of what’s happening inside. Therapy with me is collaborative and down-to-earth. I’ll work alongside you to help uncover what’s holding you back, what wants to emerge and be worked through.

More than talk – a whole person approach

I’ve trained to a high standard specialising in Gestalt therapy – a deeply creative, relational approach that can facilitate profound and lasting transformation.

Together, we might:
Tune into your body to understand how trauma or emotion shows up physically
Use gentle, creative methods – like visualisation or exploring an image or phrase – to shift stuck patterns
Engage in honest, two-way conversation that helps you reconnect to your voice
Gently explore meaning, identity or spiritual questions if that feels important

This way of working is especially supportive if you’ve tried more traditional talk therapy but want something deeper – something that engages your whole self.

Support that meets you where you are

I’ve helped people navigate trauma, anxiety, self-doubt, relationship struggles, spiritual disconnection and more. Whatever you bring, I’ll meet it with compassion and respect.

This is a welcoming, LGBTQ+ affirming space.

Start with a Conversation

I offer a free initial call so we can get to know each other and see if this feels like a good fit.

My qualifications

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

If something in you is ready to shift, I invite you to reach out. Free initial call available.