Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Deanna works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Years in practice
- 7
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Deanna
Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a licensed clinical social worker in California who helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger, and relationship struggles. She supports clients facing trauma, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Her approach is direct and compassionate, aimed at helping people feel steadier day to day.
She creates a calm space where people can talk honestly about what’s going on. Deanna focuses on clear goal-setting and practical steps that can be used between sessions.
Background and approach
She values straightforward conversation and helps clients name the patterns that cause pain. With seven years of professional experience, Deanna blends practical skills with warm support. She often helps clients build coping skills, improve communication, and handle grief or caregiver stress.
When work or parenting feels overwhelming she helps clients find manageable routines and limits. Deanna works with people across a wide range of concerns, including issues related to identity and intimacy. She pays attention to body image, forgiveness, and finding life purpose when that becomes hard to see.
Sessions emphasize small, doable changes that add up. Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. She encourages clients to take the lead on goals and checks in often about what is or isn’t helping.
If you are ready to begin, she guides people through simple steps to get started.
What Deanna works with
Everything Deanna lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Deanna's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Life purpose
- Self-love
Approaches that guide online work
Deanna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical coping and emotional regulation. One common approach she relies on teaches skills for managing strong emotions like anger and anxiety through breathing, grounding, and step-by-step planning. These tools help reduce intensity in the moment and give people ways to regain control during stressful situations.Another frequently used method emphasizes building clearer communication and problem-solving skills. This helps clients describe needs, set boundaries, and negotiate conflicts without escalating, which is useful for relationship strain and parenting stress. Both approaches are brief, teachable, and meant to be practiced between sessions.
Finding the best approach happens together. The therapist will ask about goals, what has worked before, and how life looks now, then suggest techniques to try. Clients and the therapist adjust methods over time based on what feels helpful and practical.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions are useful for full conversations and role-play practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work well for short updates, mood tracking, or on-the-spot coaching between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and support steady progress.
Questions people ask about Deanna
What kinds of problems does this therapist help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, relationships, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, and related concerns like body image and caregiver stress.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is direct and collaborative. She helps clients set concrete goals and practices skills they can use between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has seven years of professional experience working with a variety of concerns and life challenges.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.