Vanessa Richards, BACP

Vanessa Richards works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression and relationship problems. She helps those coping with trauma and abuse, grief, addictions and low self-esteem. She also supports people managing chronic illness, cancer-related challenges, parenting strain and life changes. Vanessa holds a Master’s in integrative counselling and psychotherapy and is registered with the BACP, which is noted as BACP. She draws on her background as a therapeutic radiographer and several years working in health services to understand illness and caregiving stress. Her experience spans clinical and community settings, including work with survivors of abuse and sexual violence. Her style is warm and relational. She aims to build trust early and works together with the person in front of her. Sessions focus on what matters now and on practical strategies to manage difficult feelings and behaviours. Vanessa uses a mix of approaches to suit each person. She blends client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural techniques and skills drawn from dialectical behaviour therapy. She also brings in emotionally focused ideas and motivational interviewing when helpful. People can expect an open space to talk through worries, practise coping skills and set achievable goals. Vanessa emphasises collaboration and practical steps rather than complex jargon. The aim is clearer thinking, steadier mood and better ways of handling stress in day-to-day life.

Approaches for online support and practical skills

Client-Centred Therapy emphasises listening and understanding. The therapist follows the person’s lead, reflects feelings and helps people feel heard, which can be useful for relationship worries and self-esteem work.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It uses simple exercises and practical tasks to reduce anxiety or depression and to change unhelpful habits.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, brings in skills for managing intense emotions and improving emotional regulation. It can help with mood instability, strong anger and coping in difficult moments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to match methods to a person’s goals, preferences and day-to-day life. That may mean trying a few ideas and adjusting what’s most useful.

Check the available session options before booking, since formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around work, childcare and medical appointments. It also allows shorter check-ins when needs are brief, and sessions that avoid travel time so people can focus on practical progress.