Vanessa Richards , BACP

Vanessa Richards is a United Kingdom based therapist with five years of clinical experience who supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, family and parenting challenges, grief, eating concerns, bipolar challenges, ADHD, and other life transitions. She has worked in government roles supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence and has experience as a therapeutic radiographer working with people affected by cancer, giving her an informed perspective on the emotional and practical impact of serious illness.

Vanessa has provided care within both the National Health Service and the private sector and practices in a relational, client-centered manner that prioritizes building a collaborative connection. She integrates approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to tailor work to each person - combining practical skills with exploration of emotional patterns to help clients increase coping, motivation, and confidence.

She holds membership of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. Vanessa accepts clients from the United Kingdom and internationally and offers appointments by video call, phone, live chat, or in-app messaging to provide flexible access to therapy. Her practice aims to offer a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can explore experiences and work toward meaningful change.

Approaches and online support for emotional wellbeing

Vanessa integrates client-centered work and cognitive behavioral techniques to help people navigate emotional difficulties. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship so clients can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace - this approach is well suited to those seeking a supportive space to process life events. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness when strong emotions or relationship patterns create difficulty.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Vanessa works collaboratively with each person to determine what best matches their needs, goals, and preferences. Conversations about goals, coping style, and what feels helpful guide the plan for therapy, and adjustments are made as the work progresses.

Online therapy provides practical flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access licensed professionals from different locations. These options allow therapy to continue through life changes, reduce travel time, and support consistent engagement in the therapeutic process.