- Problem-focused
- Nonjudgmental listening
- Practical coping skills
About Deanna
Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with seven years of professional experience. She focuses on common and painful concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, trauma and abuse, and parenting strain. She also supports people facing grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, career stress, and challenges tied to self-esteem and motivation.
Deanna seeks to build an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about difficult thoughts and feelings. She aims to make the first steps easy to take and acknowledges that starting therapy takes courage. Her work often includes practical conversation, emotional validation, and collaborative problem solving.
In sessions she listens first, then helps people identify small, realistic changes. That might mean practicing new ways to cope with anxiety, setting boundaries in relationships, or making plans to manage caregiver fatigue. She also addresses identity-related concerns including LGBT issues and body image.
Her practice attends to life transitions like divorce or career shifts and supports people coping with chronic stress or compassion fatigue. Deanna encourages self-reflection and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
She works to match approaches to each person’s needs and goals, keeping sessions straightforward and focused on what matters most. People who want a calm, practical therapist for everyday struggles may find her approach helpful.
How evidence-based approaches guide online work
Many clinicians use evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear goals and practical skills. For example, approaches that teach coping skills for anxiety help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors to reduce worry. Techniques that address trauma can include paced, supportive work to help people feel less overwhelmed by painful memories.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively with each person to decide which techniques match their needs, goals, and preferences. That means starting with what matters most to the client and adjusting methods as progress is made.
If you plan to use online therapy, confirm the session options before booking since the biography does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins during a break, or avoiding the need to be on camera when that feels difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt skill-building exercises and conversations to remote sessions so the work stays focused on practical change and emotional support.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She supports people managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, grief, and related concerns such as self-esteem and career stress.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is open and direct. She listens first, then helps people set practical goals and try manageable changes in daily life.
How much experience does she have?
She has seven years of professional experience working with a range of concerns in California.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and she practices in California.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.