- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Anger and coping
About Deanna
Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with seven years of professional experience. She helps people manage stress and anxiety, work through relationship concerns, and address trauma and abuse. She also supports issues like self-esteem, depression, grief, and anger.
Deanna aims for straightforward, practical sessions. She invites clients to talk about what is getting in the way of daily functioning and relationships. Conversations focus on identifying patterns, practicing new responses, and testing small changes between sessions.
Her approach encourages clear goals and step-by-step plans. Sessions often include talking through recent incidents, learning coping actions, and trying out different ways to respond when emotions rise. She checks in on progress and adjusts plans as needed.
Deanna also helps with career stress, parenting strain, caregiver fatigue, and questions about sexual orientation and identity. She addresses issues such as body image, divorce and separation, forgiveness, and finding greater self-acceptance.
People who are worried about losing their temper, holding long-term resentment, or the effects of other people’s anger will find direct guidance on practical skills. Deanna emphasizes small, usable tools that can be applied at work, at home, and in relationships. She asks clients to set specific aims and to review what works in real life.
How therapeutic methods translate to online work
Deanna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches specific tools for managing strong emotions and stress. These tools include breathing and grounding actions, planning responses to triggering situations, and steps to reduce escalation. Another element is focused problem-solving that breaks down relationship or daily-stress problems into manageable steps. This approach helps people test small changes and evaluate what makes a difference in real life, such as new ways to bring up difficult topics or short routines to reduce tension before meetings. Finding the right approach is part of the process. Deanna will work collaboratively with each client to choose which techniques to try first and will adjust them based on what fits the client’s goals and preferences. Confirm the session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, offer shorter check-ins when time is tight, and avoid travel time. It can also let someone continue work on anger, stress, or relationship challenges from a different setting while keeping therapy part of everyday life.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, grief, anger, and related life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are practical and goal-focused with an emphasis on identifying patterns and trying concrete coping strategies.
How much experience does she have?
She has seven years of professional experience as a clinician in California.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she take international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.