Vanessa has lived experience of mental health challenges and as a client herself, she understands the profound value in having “the right fit” in a successful, professional client-counsellor relationship. She offers a nonjudgmental, holistic and open approach, with practical steps and a collaborative nature. When working with children, young people and adults who have experienced trauma this looks like working alongside the client’s health care professionals towards the same goal to avoid retraumatisation and ensure continuity and positive outcomes.

Vanessa has worked as a counsellor in various services, including school settings, crisis support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and across a broad range of issues including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma. She uses a variety of techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Therapy and Person Centred Therapy and Spiritual/Christian Counselling.

Vanessa has a keen personal interest in maternal mental health, the mother-infant relationship and human rights.