Victoria Mawdsley, BACP

Victoria Mawdsley welcomes people who are exhausted from holding everything together and need a calm, practical space to talk. She uses a relaxed, client-focused style and keeps sessions grounded in what each person actually needs. Victoria presents herself in a straightforward way so parents can quickly see if she might be a fit.

Victoria has three years of clinical experience and has run her own independent practice, VJM Counselling, for nearly two years. Before qualifying as a counsellor she spent over 20 years working in health and social care as a health care assistant, mainly supporting people with dementia. She draws on that background when it helps the person in front of her.

Her main therapeutic approach is Client-Centred Therapy, which puts the person’s perspective first and follows their pace. She also uses elements of cognitive approaches, mindfulness, and psychoeducation where they suit the work. Sessions are practical and conversational rather than overly formal.

Victoria supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma and those coping with life changes. She also focuses on caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, domestic violence, isolation and workplace difficulties. Panic and social anxiety are also areas she addresses.

Sessions are offered in English and take place in the United Kingdom. The first step is a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the Start Therapy button on the site. Victoria aims to help people feel heard and to find manageable steps forward.

How client-centred work fits with online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person in front of the counsellor, listening closely and following their lead. This approach helps when someone needs a non-judgemental space to talk about stress, anxiety, grief or trauma and to explore what they want from therapy.

Victoria also uses practical elements such as mindfulness and psychoeducation when they suit the person. Mindfulness offers simple exercises to reduce worry in the moment, and psychoeducation helps people understand symptoms and learn coping steps. These elements are offered alongside the client-centred conversations rather than replacing them.

Picking the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, and then tailor sessions accordingly in collaboration with the client.

Confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Many people find online sessions helpful because they can fit a therapy appointment into a busy day, reduce travel time, or allow a shorter check-in when needed. Others value talking without being on camera, which can be less demanding during hard days. Talk with the therapist about what will best fit your routine and needs.