Vanessa Richards, BACP

Vanessa Richards is a BACP-accredited therapist based in the United Kingdom with five years of professional practice. She brings focused experience supporting people affected by trauma, having worked within government services to assist survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. That background informs a sensitive, trauma-aware approach to therapy and an understanding of how past harm can affect present relationships and wellbeing.

Vanessa also has experience supporting people affected by cancer through clinical roles in healthcare, and she is committed to helping patients, family members, and carers navigate the emotional challenges that accompany illness and treatment. Her work has spanned NHS and private-sector settings, where she has supported people dealing with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, motivation and low self-esteem.

She works with a broad range of concerns including addictions, family and parenting issues, grief, eating difficulties, anger, career transitions, bipolar management, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and other complex presentations. Vanessa practices in a relational, collaborative manner, drawing on evidence-informed techniques to tailor therapy to each person’s needs. She offers a warm, nonjudgmental space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings and supports clients as they take steps toward greater resilience and wellbeing.

Approaches that shape online care

Vanessa draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the client’s perspective guides each session - this approach helps people who want to build self-understanding, confidence, and stronger relationships.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns - CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns because it focuses on practical strategies and skill-building.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques are incorporated when clients need support with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness - these skills are useful for managing intense feelings and reducing conflict in relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Vanessa works collaboratively with each client to explore which methods feel most helpful given their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and she adapts her style as therapy progresses.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for different lifestyles and schedules. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care across locations, fit therapy into work and family commitments, and receive support in ways that suit each person’s communication preferences.