Vanessa Richards

Vanessa Richards is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression and addiction. She also supports those dealing with grief, parenting challenges, career change, ADHD and the long-term effects of illness. Vanessa accepts international clients and works in English.

Vanessa trained to a Masters level in integrative counselling and psychotherapy. She uses a relational, client-centred style that focuses on building trust first. Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person’s needs. She aims to make the room a place to speak honestly without judgement.

Before moving into counselling, Vanessa worked for several years as a therapeutic radiographer supporting people with cancer. She also spent time working within government services supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. That background informs her understanding of trauma and the practical stresses that come with illness and caregiving.

Her clinical work draws on a range of methods including cognitive behavioural ideas, dialectical behaviour techniques, emotionally focused work and motivational interviewing. These approaches are used flexibly to help people manage symptoms, change unhelpful habits and rebuild relationships.

Vanessa has five years of counselling experience. She combines clinical knowledge with practical experience from healthcare and support services. Her style is down-to-earth and focused on helping people find clearer ways forward.

Approaches that suit online counselling

Client-centred therapy focuses on the relationship and on listening closely to what matters to you. It helps when someone needs space to talk and to feel heard without judgement. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours connect and offers practical steps to shift unhelpful patterns. It can help with anxiety, low mood and stress. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) adds skills for regulating emotions and managing difficult moments, which can be useful for strong mood swings or crises.

Choosing the right approach is often part of the work. Vanessa will talk with each person about goals and what feels helpful. Together you will try methods that fit your needs and adjust as you go, so the plan evolves from your experience and preferences.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm session options before booking. In general, online counselling can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel time and allow shorter or more flexible check-ins when needed. It can also let people take therapy from wherever they are based, which may help with continuity during moves or travel. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt these approaches for remote work and discuss practical arrangements when you book.