Profile / Australia
Joanna Ridgeway, ACA
Australia
ACA counsellor - Anxiety and relationships
See online therapy options- Stress and depression
- CBT and attachment
- Practical skill building
About Joanna
Joanna Ridgeway is an ACA counsellor with 14 years of experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. Joanna speaks English and practices in Australia.
Joanna focuses on practical conversations that identify unhelpful thoughts and habits. She breaks problems into manageable steps and works on small, doable changes. Sessions tend to be goal-focused and use clear techniques to test different ways of coping.
Her approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with attachment-informed work and client-centred listening. She uses tools from Emotionally-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method where they fit the person's goals. The emphasis is on noticing patterns in thinking and behaviour, then trying alternatives in everyday life.
Joanna has worked across a range of issues beyond core mood and anxiety concerns. These include abandonment and attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, cancer, ageing and geriatric concerns, autism and Asperger Syndrome, blended family and communication problems, codependency, commitment issues, control issues, coping after disaster, and divorce or separation.
Her style is straightforward and practical. She helps people set clear goals, practise new skills between sessions, and review what works. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial appointment.
How her approaches work for online sessions
Joanna commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns in thoughts and behaviour, then try practical changes to reduce distress and improve functioning. Attachment-Based Therapy is used to look at how early relationship patterns affect current reactions and closeness, especially in relationship concerns. Client-Centred Therapy keeps the focus on the person's own goals and experience, with active listening and collaborative planning. Finding the right approach is part of the work. Joanna discusses options with each person and selects techniques based on the person's goals, preferences and what is most helpful in early sessions. This is a collaborative process where plans are adjusted as progress is reviewed. Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a weekday break, remove travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce the need to be on camera if that helps concentration. Ask about the practical arrangements and session length when booking to find what fits your routine.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly help with?
She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and depression.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to spot unhelpful thinking and behaviour, then test alternative responses through small experiments and skills practice.
What is her clinical experience?
She has 14 years of professional experience working with mood, anxiety and relational concerns.
What credential and location does she list?
She is listed as an ACA counsellor practising in Australia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what about cost?
Session cost varies with location and is provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.