- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- Practical tools
About Vanessa
Vanessa Richards is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. She also helps those coping with trauma and abuse, grief, parenting strain and issues such as ADHD, addictions and low self-esteem. Vanessa uses a warm, relational style and aims to make sessions straightforward and practical.
She trained to a postgraduate level and holds a Masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy. Her background includes work for the National Health Service and private sector supporting depression, motivation and confidence concerns. Vanessa also has clinical experience from her time as a therapeutic radiographer, which gave her insight into the cancer journey and the impact of serious illness on patients and their families.
Earlier in her career she worked within government services supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, which shaped her understanding of trauma and the need to approach it carefully. That experience informs how she listens and responds to difficult memories and the aftermath of abuse.
In sessions she focuses on building a strong working relationship first. Conversations are collaborative and paced to the person’s needs. Practical tools from approaches such as cognitive behavioural ideas or emotion-focused work are used alongside reflective talking and motivational techniques.
Vanessa is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She works with international clients and offers appointments that fit into people’s everyday routines. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then arrange sessions according to availability.
Approaches that translate to online work
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, empathy and supporting the client's own direction. It helps people who need an accepting space to think things through and build confidence. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, teaches skills for managing intense emotions and improving coping, which can help with anger, impulsivity and emotional overwhelm.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss your goals and preferences and together you will decide which methods to try. Sessions can mix listening, reflective conversation and practical exercises so the plan evolves with your needs.
The biography does not specify which online session types are offered, so confirm available formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also means people in different countries can connect with a UK-based practitioner, provided schedules are agreed in advance.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Vanessa help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties, and also works with trauma and abuse, grief, parenting strain, addictions and ADHD-related issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Vanessa uses a relational, collaborative approach that focuses on building trust first and then introducing practical strategies and reflective conversation to meet each person's needs.
What is her professional background?
She has five years' experience as a counsellor, a Masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy, and earlier experience as a therapeutic radiographer and supporting survivors of domestic abuse within government services.
What credentials and location should I note?
Vanessa is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is based in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
International clients are accepted and sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options when booking to be sure which formats are offered.
How are costs and billing handled?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Vanessa?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.