Joanna Ridgeway, ACA

Joanna Ridgeway is an ACA counsellor who helps people navigating stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and low self-esteem. She writes in a direct, calm way and focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions. Taking a first step can feel scary and Joanna aims to make that step easier to take.

Joanna builds a quiet, non-judgemental space for people to talk through what feels hard. Sessions focus on listening first, then on nameable goals and small changes that add up. She uses conversation and reflective exercises rather than jargon, so people leave with something they can try straight away.

Her approach draws on attachment-based ideas and client-centred work to strengthen relationships and emotional understanding. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques are used when people want tools to manage anxiety or low mood. Joanna also uses emotion-focused and Gottman-informed methods when relationship patterns are a focus.

Across 14 years of practice she has supported people with a wide range of concerns, including abandonment issues, body image, chronic illness and caregiver stress. She also works with people facing separation, ageing-related change, and the emotional impact of cancer.

Joanna aims for sessions to feel collaborative and practical. She will help set clear, achievable goals and check progress each time. Many people find that steady small steps lead to noticeable improvement in mood and relationships.

How Joanna's approaches translate to online therapy

Attachment-based work focuses on how people relate to important others and helps people notice and change patterns that cause pain. It can help with relationship strain, abandonment issues and attachment problems by naming patterns and practising new ways of connecting.

Client-centred therapy centres the person's own experience and pace, with the therapist offering non-judgemental listening and reflection. This approach supports people who need space to make sense of feelings and to decide next steps for themselves.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers clear strategies for managing worry and low mood, such as breaking down unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavioural experiments. CBT can be useful for reducing anxiety symptoms and lifting mood through practical exercises.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Joanna will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then suggest ways of working together. This is a collaborative process and plans can change as progress is reviewed.

If you are considering online sessions, check which formats are currently offered before booking. Confirming this helps you arrange sessions that fit your routine. Many people find online work easier to fit into busy days, better for quieter conversations, and helpful when mobility or caregiving commitments make travel difficult.