Jonathan Wilkes

Jonathan Wilkes is an integrative Psychosynthesis counsellor based in central Bristol, United Kingdom, working with clients both online and face-to-face since 2018. He also brings several years of prior experience supporting adults and young people with complex mental health issues in a variety of roles.

He works with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, anger and rage, loss and grief, relationship problems, childhood trauma, self-esteem struggles and feelings of worthlessness or insignificance, repetitive negative thoughts and behaviours, suicidal feelings and self-harming behaviour, eating disorders, emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder, difficulties with major life changes and transitions, and eco-anxiety and other concerns related to the turbulence of modern society.

Jonathan aims to create a warm, friendly and accepting atmosphere where he listens deeply and attentively. He is aware from his own experience in therapy that feeling heard, seen and understood is a crucial part of work that can be helpful and transformative.

His practice is grounded in the principles of empathy, congruence and unconditional acceptance, and he recognises that the therapeutic relationship often grows organically over time through meeting once a week. That regular contact helps mutual trust and understanding to emerge at a natural pace.

That foundation supports deeper honesty and authenticity in the counselling room, and it can be a profound experience when a client takes the risk of disclosing something they may never have shared before and discovers it was safe to do so.

Jonathan understands there are many layers to the psyche that can be gradually uncovered and explored, with healing and release occurring as part of that process. He meets clients where they are and works at their pace.

He has 4 years of experience working with clients in a counselling and psychotherapeutic context, together with additional years working with adults and young people who have complex mental health needs and learning difficulties.

His qualifications include a Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis from the Psychosynthesis Trust, London, a foundation qualification in Ayurvedic Astrology from the American Institute of Vedic Studies, a Certificate in Regression Therapy from Woolger International, a 500 hour yoga teacher training certificate from Yogasara Academy in Bristol, and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of the West of England, Bristol.

If a client arrives having experienced wounding, pain, trauma or loss, Jonathan welcomes the free expression and release of emotion and considers this an important aspect of helpful therapy. He aims to provide a compassionate container for that process to unfold.

Psychosynthesis is an open and adaptable approach, and Jonathan sometimes integrates ideas and techniques from other therapeutic models according to a client’s needs. These can include cognitive behavioural approaches, existential therapy, Gestalt, breathing and meditation practices, and body-based awareness techniques. In longer-term work he often explores early childhood experiences and how early caregiving can shape the survival personality that influences adult life.