Vanessa Richards, BACP

Vanessa Richards is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief and the effects of trauma. She also helps with self-esteem, motivation, addiction-related concerns, parenting pressures and the practical challenges that come with chronic illness or cancer.

Vanessa trained with a Masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy and holds BACP registration. She draws on a relational, client-centred way of working to build trust and talk through difficult experiences. Sessions focus on what matters most to the person in front of her and on small, practical steps that can bring relief.

Her background includes work in the NHS and private sector supporting people with depression, anxiety and relationship issues. She also spent time supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in a government role, which informs her understanding of trauma.

Before counselling work, Vanessa practised as a therapeutic radiographer and spent several years supporting people through cancer treatment. That experience shapes her approach to working with chronic illness, caregiving stress and cancer-related concerns.

She uses a blend of approaches, including cognitive behavioural ideas, emotion-focused work, motivational interviewing and elements of dialectical behaviour therapy, tailoring methods to each person. Vanessa aims to create a warm, non-judgemental space where people can speak openly and plan realistic steps forward.

Vanessa has five years of counselling experience and offers sessions in English. International clients are accepted; please check the current session options before booking.

Therapeutic approaches that translate online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the relationship and on listening. It helps people feel heard and encourages exploration of thoughts and feelings at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and gives practical steps to reduce anxiety or low mood. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance and can be useful for strong mood swings and anger.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then try approaches together. This is a collaborative process that can change as needs evolve.

The profile does not specify which online session formats are offered, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow brief check-ins when a full in-person appointment is difficult. Some formats use less bandwidth or allow audio-only conversations, which can suit quieter environments or shorter work breaks. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises, homework and skill practice to work well during remote sessions.