Deanna Bennet Ridgway, LCSW

Deanna Bennet Ridgway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with seven years of hands-on professional experience. She supports people facing stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, and struggles with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Her approach centers on cultivating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed openly and explored collaboratively.

Deanna emphasizes practical, evidence-informed strategies that help clients regain a sense of balance and clarity while honoring each person’s unique pace and goals. She encourages those taking the first steps toward therapy, acknowledging that beginning treatment often requires courage and commitment. Her work is grounded in empathy and direct support, helping clients build skills for everyday coping and longer term growth.

Throughout the therapeutic process Deanna aims to create clear, compassionate collaboration so clients feel understood and guided as they work toward meaningful change. As a California LCSW, she brings both clinical training and real-world experience to support clients through transitions, relational work, and healing from past harms.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Deanna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person's needs. One common focus is skills-based work that helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping strategies - this is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Another emphasis is trauma-informed approaches that create a steady framework for processing difficult experiences while supporting safety and emotional regulation. For relationship and intimacy concerns she integrates relational strategies that improve communication, boundaries, and mutual understanding.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Deanna works with clients to explore what methods fit their history, goals, and comfort level, and she adjusts the plan over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with Deanna is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility around work, family life, and mobility. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from wherever the client is located within California, and choose the format that feels most comfortable for each session.