- Attachment-based ideas
- Cognitive behavioural techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About Vivien
Vivien Ridgway is an AASW social worker with 36 years of professional experience in Australia. She works with adults on parenting, gender identity, relationship and trauma concerns. She also addresses stress, anxiety, grief, addictions and life transitions in straightforward, practical conversations.
Vivien focuses on clear, respectful dialogue. Sessions are used to sort immediate problems and set simple steps forward. She listens for patterns in relationships and daily routines, then helps people try different ways of responding. The aim is practical change rather than long lectures or jargon.
Her background includes community and clinical settings across many years. That experience shapes a flexible approach that draws on attachment ideas, skills training and cognitive strategies. Vivien uses what fits each person rather than following a single method every time.
In session she mixes talking with skill practice. Clients commonly work on communication, managing anger, or building sleep and eating routines. For people facing blended family issues she helps with blending household roles, negotiating boundaries and reducing repeated conflicts at home.
Vivien also supports people dealing with identity questions, career stress and compassion fatigue. She integrates mindfulness and DBT-style skills when emotional regulation or impulsive behaviour is in focus. Practical coaching and straightforward goal-setting are part of how she works.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How Vivien applies therapeutic approaches online
Vivien commonly draws on attachment-based work and cognitive behavioural therapy in practical ways. Attachment-based ideas focus on how early relationship patterns affect how people relate now, and they can help when loyalty conflicts and stepfamily roles are hard to navigate. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going and teaches simple skills to change them, useful for anxiety, sleep and mood problems.She also uses client-centred principles, which means listening and adjusting the pace and focus to what a person needs. Figuring out the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review what helps, try approaches, and change course if something does not fit.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when time is tight, or avoid travel between appointments. It also lets people continue work through life changes while keeping the focus on practical skills, communication strategies and problem solving.
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 works with adults on parenting, relationship and trauma-related concerns, plus stress, anxiety, grief and addictions.
How would you describe her approach in session?
She uses clear, practical conversation blending attachment ideas, client-centred listening and CBT-style skills work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 36 years of professional experience working in community and clinical settings in Australia.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an AASW social worker and practises in Australia.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and 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.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.