Theresa Ridley , MD, LCSW-C

Theresa Ridley is a licensed clinician who uses a client-centered approach to support people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and depression. She brings 25 years of experience and a practical, respectful manner to each session.

Theresa combines listening with focused strategies. She asks about what matters most and works with each person to set clear, manageable goals. Sessions are straightforward and aimed at improving day-to-day coping and decision making.

Her background includes long-term clinical work in Maryland. Theresa holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, LCSW-C. That blend of training and experience shapes how she understands both physical and emotional aspects of distress.

Theresa often uses client-centered methods to create a collaborative atmosphere. She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new patterns of behavior. Together these approaches help with symptoms of anxiety, mood shifts, addictive behaviors, and reactions after trauma.

She pays attention to issues that often come with these concerns, such as feelings of abandonment, codependency, caregiver stress, guilt, shame, and isolation. Theresa also supports people facing end-of-life care decisions and grief related to hospice situations.

Theresa aims to make the work clear and usable. She helps people notice patterns, try small changes, and build skills that fit into everyday life. Starting therapy is framed as a step toward clearer choices and steadier days.

How client-centered work and CBT fit online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, reflecting, and following the person's lead to understand what matters most. Online sessions allow Theresa to learn about priorities and make collaborative choices about goals in the same way she would in person.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes to reduce symptoms. Via video or phone, Theresa can guide practical exercises, coach new skills, and review what worked between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then decide together which methods to use. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions to individual situations and cultural concerns.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video works well for interactive skill practice and face-to-face conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and texting offer shorter check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to continue consistent work on stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and mood concerns.