Directory entry

Vanessa Richards, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 5 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

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Vanessa Richards helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship problems, low self-esteem, grief, addictions and parenting strain. She also supports those facing career challenges, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD and coping with major life changes. Vanessa is named up front to make the connection clear for someone scanning on a phone.

She describes her work as relational and collaborative. Sessions are aimed at creating a straightforward space where clients can speak without judgement.

Background and approach

Vanessa uses practical conversations to untangle patterns, set small goals and find ways to feel steadier day to day. Her background combines counselling and healthcare. Vanessa holds a Master’s in integrative counselling and psychotherapy and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.

She has worked in both the National Health Service and the personal sector, supporting people with depression, anxiety and trauma. Earlier in her career she worked as a therapeutic radiographer and has experience with the cancer care journey. She also spent time supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence within government services, and brings that understanding to trauma-related work.

Vanessa blends a few practical approaches in sessions, choosing methods that suit the person in front of her. She keeps language plain and focuses on skills people can use between meetings. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Vanessa often uses Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) as part of her online work. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship so people can speak openly and make their own choices. CBT looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers practical techniques to change unhelpful patterns. DBT teaches skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance and handling difficult interactions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then try methods that match those aims. That collaborative process helps tailor the plan so it fits the person rather than forcing one style.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls let people see non-verbal cues and run longer therapeutic conversations. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or when seeing the screen feels tiring. Live chat and text messaging suit brief check-ins, paced communication or people who prefer writing. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit around work, care duties or travel.

What kinds of concerns does Vanessa support?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, self-esteem, addictions, grief and parenting strain, among other concerns listed on her profile.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Vanessa uses a relational and collaborative style, creating a calm space to talk and focusing on practical steps clients can try between sessions.

What experience does she bring to therapy?

She has five years of counselling experience, plus several years working in healthcare as a therapeutic radiographer and time supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds a Masters in integrative counselling and psychotherapy and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She practises from the United Kingdom.

Can non-UK clients work with her?

Sessions are offered to international clients as noted on her profile.

What session formats does she offer?

Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions according to the therapists availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Vanessa

Vanessa takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Vanessa Richards, BACP

Background and approach

Approaches that guide online sessions

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety