- 36 years experience
- Practical goal setting
- Compassionate listening
About Vivien
Vivien Ridgway is an AASW social worker with 36 years of professional experience. She offers steady support for people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems and the emotional fallout of trauma. She aims to meet clients with respect, sensitivity and compassion from the first conversation.
Vivien adapts sessions to each person's needs. She listens first, then works with you to set practical goals. Her approach is conversational and grounded - she focuses on what will help in daily life rather than on jargon or labels.
Clients often come with issues like depression, addiction, grief, parenting pressures or changes at work. Vivien also helps people dealing with identity and intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD and the strain of caregiving. She includes coping with natural or human-caused disaster among the matters she can address.
Her practice draws on methods that help people understand patterns, manage strong emotions and build new skills. Sessions may look at relationships, behaviour patterns and ways to handle stress day to day. Vivien aims to help people feel more able to manage their lives between appointments.
Starting therapy with Vivien begins with a short discussion about what you want to change. She will tailor a plan with clear steps and practical tasks. The focus is on steady progress and on the next manageable step toward a better routine and improved wellbeing.
How Vivien’s approaches work online and in sessions
Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationships shape current trust and connection. It helps people notice patterns in close relationships and try new ways of relating that feel safer and more stable.Client-centred therapy puts the person’s experience at the centre. The therapist listens without judgement, validates what you bring, and follows your agenda while offering gentle guidance.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) targets the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It breaks problems into manageable steps and offers practical tools for anxiety, low mood and unhelpful habits.
Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. Vivien will work with you to identify what fits best for your needs, goals and preferences, and can adjust methods as you progress. The process is collaborative rather than prescriptive.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because the biography does not list formats. Ask about appointment length, frequency and whether sessions are offered by video, phone or in person. Online or shorter sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into work breaks, reduce travel time and allow steady check-ins during stressful periods.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
36+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Vivien commonly help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief and relationship issues, among other concerns listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Vivien uses a conversational, client-focused approach that emphasises practical steps, listening first and tailoring a plan to each person.
How much experience does she have?
She has 36 years of professional work experience as a social worker.
What credentials and region are listed?
Vivien is listed with the AASW and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Vivien?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.