- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief and parenting
About Deanna
Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a California licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with seven years of professional experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, and questions about life purpose. Her work also addresses grief, intimacy concerns, parenting challenges, career shifts, and issues like self-esteem and body image.
She keeps sessions straightforward and practical. Conversations focus on what is causing distress now and what small steps feel doable next. Deanna listens for patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and she and the client identify concrete ways to reduce overwhelm and increase clarity.
People meet her to talk through big changes such as divorce, caregiving strain, or shifting career goals. She also supports those facing compassion fatigue, bipolar mood management, or lingering effects of past abuse. Her approach includes attention to relationships and to the practical demands of everyday life.
Deanna encourages honest, direct discussion about priorities and obstacles. Sessions are a place to test new ways of responding, practice communication skills, and plan manageable experiments between meetings. She aims to keep the work focused and realistic so clients can try things and notice whether they help.
Prospective clients should expect a clear first session that assesses concerns and sets short-term goals. From there, Deanna and the person refine the plan together and check progress as needs shift.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Deanna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on present-day problems and practical strategies. One common method is short-term, goal-focused work that breaks larger issues into small, testable steps to reduce overwhelm and increase coping. This approach helps with stress, anxiety, decision-making around career or relationships, and adjusting after life changes.Another useful approach involves processing the effects of trauma and abuse through paced discussion and skill-building. Sessions look at how past events affect current thoughts and behaviors, and then practice alternative responses and grounding strategies to lessen reactivity and improve daily functioning.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Deanna works collaboratively with each person to identify goals, try methods that fit their needs, and adjust as the work progresses. She checks in on what is helpful and what needs changing so treatment stays relevant to the client's priorities.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. In general, online appointments can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example, by avoiding commute time, allowing shorter check-ins during a workday, or letting someone choose a session style that matches their comfort with video. Practical matters such as scheduling, session length, and any technology needs are arranged when setting up the first appointment.
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 problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, and life purpose questions, plus related concerns like grief, parenting, and career changes.
How does she approach someone who feels stuck?
Her style is practical and direct. She looks for immediate stressors, helps set short-term goals, and tests small changes between sessions.
What is her clinical background?
She has seven years of professional experience working in clinical settings and private practice as a social worker.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; 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.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.