- Attachment-based work
- CBT strategies
- Mindfulness skills
About Vivien
Vivien Ridgway is an AASW social worker with 36 years of professional experience. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions and anger. She also works with concerns such as parenting, gender identity, grief, self-esteem and career change.
Vivien uses straightforward conversation to identify what feels most difficult right now. She focuses on practical steps and clearer communication rather than jargon. Sessions aim to make emotions easier to understand and manage so daily life becomes less overwhelming.
Her approach draws on attachment-based ideas, client-centred practice and cognitive behavioural techniques. That combination helps people see patterns in relationships, rethink unhelpful thoughts and practise different ways of responding under stress. Mindfulness and DBT skills are available when someone needs tools for emotion regulation.
Vivien has supported people across a broad range of issues over many years, from parenting strain to workplace stress and trauma recovery. She often works with clients who are trying to handle anger, increase emotional control, or repair communication after conflict.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. Vivien will work with each person to set reasonable steps and review progress. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Vivien combines client-centred practice with attachment-based thinking and cognitive behavioural methods. Client-centred work focuses on straightforward listening and making space for each person to set goals. Attachment-based ideas look at how relationship patterns shape reactions and help people try new ways of relating. Cognitive behavioural work breaks problems into thoughts, feelings and actions and uses simple exercises to shift them.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will discuss options and agree on steps based on the client’s needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative choice can change as progress is made or new issues appear.
Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments around work or family, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people practise new skills between sessions in their everyday routine. Appropriately qualified therapists can guide which methods and session rhythm will best fit a person’s life and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
36+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and anger, along with related issues such as parenting, relationship conflict and addictions.
How would she work with someone angry or reactive?
She uses practical conversation, emotion-regulation skills and communication practice to help people notice triggers and try different responses.
What is her professional background?
She is an AASW social worker with 36 years of professional experience in clinical and coaching work.
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
She practises in Australia and holds AASW as her documented professional credential.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; sessions are offered to people located in Australia.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.