Vivien Ridgway

Vivien Ridgway is an AASW social worker with 36 years of experience supporting people through stress, grief, relationship strain and anger. She offers a calm, respectful presence and adapts conversations to each person's situation. Vivien aims to help people take the first steps toward change and greater day-to-day wellbeing.

Her work often focuses on parenting challenges, gender identity concerns and the effects of trauma and abuse. She also supports people dealing with addiction, depression, bipolar symptoms and work-related compassion fatigue. Anger and relationship difficulties are frequent topics she helps people untangle.

Vivien uses practical approaches drawn from attachment-based work, client-centred counselling and cognitive-behavioural ideas. Sessions look at patterns in relationships, unhelpful thinking and small, achievable steps people can try between meetings. Mindfulness and DBT techniques are used when they suit the person’s goals.

People can expect a tailored plan rather than a one-size-fits-all program. Vivien listens for what matters most and adjusts pace and focus as trust grows. She aims to make sessions straightforward and focused on real-life changes.

She works in Australia and conducts sessions in English. Vivien describes herself as supportive and empowering, guiding people to build coping skills and clearer ways of relating to others.

Therapeutic approaches and how they look online

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on understanding patterns in close relationships and how early bonds affect current interactions; it can help with intimacy issues, abandonment concerns and relationship difficulties. Client-Centred Therapy centres on the person's experience and aims to create a respectful space where people are heard and led at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical strategies for managing anxiety, anger and low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences and what feels most useful. Together they will try methods and adjust plans if something does not feel like a good fit, treating the process as collaborative rather than fixed.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around daily life, reduce travel time and allow brief check-ins that suit a busy schedule. Some approaches translate well to video or phone sessions because they use structured exercises and homework, while other moments may focus on listening and reflective conversation. Discuss practical arrangements during the first meeting so sessions match your needs and routines.