Joanna Ridgeway, ACA

Joanna Ridgeway is an ACA counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationships and the effects of trauma. She also supports people dealing with low self-esteem and depression. Her approach is warm and direct, aimed at making it easier to say what feels heavy and to find small, practical steps forward.

Joanna creates a calm space where clients can talk without feeling judged. She focuses on listening first and then working together to set clear, manageable goals. Sessions are conversational and grounded, with attention to how emotions and relationships show up in daily life.

Her work draws on attachment-based ideas that look at how early relationships shape current patterns. She also uses client-centred methods to keep sessions guided by each person’s priorities. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools are introduced when helpful to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Joanna has 14 years of experience in counselling. She has supported people through issues such as abandonment, caregiving stress, chronic illness, cancer, and blended family challenges. Her background includes helping clients cope with communication problems, commitment concerns and the aftermath of separation.

People who value a steady, empathetic listener tend to do well with her. Joanna helps clients break down big problems into workable steps and rebuild a sense of control. If someone wants practical support and thoughtful conversation, she offers a steady presence throughout the process.

How therapy approaches map to online sessions

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds influence current relationships and emotions. Online sessions using this approach often focus on recognising patterns in close relationships and practising new ways of engaging with others.

Client-Centred Therapy centres the client's priorities and pace. In remote sessions this means the therapist follows what matters most to the client and offers reflective listening and support for whatever issues arise.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviours with practical exercises. Delivered online, CBT commonly includes homework, thought records and short skill-building tasks between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Joanna will collaborate with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. That decision is reviewed as therapy progresses so the plan can change if something else fits better.

The original biography did not specify which online formats are offered, so please confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, help people connect from different locations and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also supports using worksheets and exercises between sessions to build skills in everyday life.