Deanna Bennet Ridgway , LCSW

Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with seven years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship concerns, process trauma and abuse, and build motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Drawing on evidence-based techniques, she guides clients toward practical skills and insights that support day-to-day functioning and longer-term growth.

She emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that invites honest sharing of thoughts and feelings. Sessions are designed to be an open space where emotional safety and clear communication are prioritized so clients can explore difficult topics at their own pace. Deanna values the courage it takes to begin therapy and acknowledges the importance of that first step in making meaningful change.

Throughout her work she attends to both immediate coping needs and underlying patterns, tailoring support to each person's circumstances and goals. Her practice is informed by clinical training and real-world experience helping individuals and families address a wide range of concerns, including mood challenges, relationship dynamics, grief, caregiving stress, and issues related to identity and intimacy. Deanna aims to help people cultivate greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and stronger coping tools.

Evidence-Based Techniques Delivered Online

Deanna Bennet Ridgway uses practical, evidence-based approaches to help people cope with anxiety, relationship strain, trauma, and low self-esteem. One common approach focuses on skills-based work that helps clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, teaching concrete strategies for managing stress and improving daily functioning. Another approach emphasizes trauma-focused care that helps people process painful experiences in a paced way and build emotional regulation skills to reduce reactivity and increase resilience. She also draws on relational and strengths-based methods to support healthier communication, intimacy, and self-worth, helping clients explore values and rebuild connection.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Deanna works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and life context, and then tailors interventions to fit those needs. The therapist and client decide together which techniques feel most helpful and adjust the plan over time.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations, while still focusing on meaningful therapeutic work.