Vanessa Richards, BACP

Vanessa draws on client-centred therapy to place the person’s experience at the heart of each session. This approach focuses on listening, empathy and helping people feel understood before any work begins. It is useful when someone needs space to talk through painful experiences and rebuild trust in themselves.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical changes. CBT offers tools for managing low mood and anxiety, such as breaking problems into smaller steps and testing different ways of thinking. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills may be introduced when emotional regulation, distress tolerance or interpersonal conflicts are a concern, offering clear strategies to reduce overwhelm.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk through options, suggest approaches that fit your goals, and adjust methods as progress unfolds. That way the plan reflects needs, preferences and what feels most helpful.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text messaging gives flexibility. Video is useful for longer conversations and visual connection. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text are helpful for brief check-ins or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments.