Carey Ryan
Hi, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, relationship challenges, life transitions, and other mental health concerns. My work is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and systems theory. As an IFS Level 1 trained therapist through the IFS Institute, I believe that healing happens when we approach ourselves with curiosity, compassion, and understanding. Together, we'll explore the patterns, relationships, and experiences that have shaped your life while building greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and connection.
My professional strengths include 15 years of experience working with children ages 5+, adolescents, and families, specializing in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and school-related issues.
As a LMFT, I recognize that our relationships, families, communities, and life experiences all influence our emotional well-being. I strive to create a warm, affirming, and collaborative space where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change. A sense of humor is welcome here, too.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. We'll explore your current concerns, your goals, and the experiences and relationships that have shaped your life. I'll ask questions to better understand your unique situation, and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions as well. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where you feel comfortable, understood, and empowered as we begin the therapeutic process together.
Strengths
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience, I bring a relational and systems-based perspective to therapy. Combined with my training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), this allows me to help people better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and genuine. I strive to create an affirming space where people feel understood, challenged when needed, and supported in creating meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I work best with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are seeking greater understanding, healing, and connection in their lives and relationships. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, life transitions, identity exploration, or LGBTQIA+ issues. Often, people come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, overwhelmed by life's demands, or disconnected from themselves or others. Together, we explore these challenges with curiosity and compassion while building greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healthier ways of relating to yourself and those around you. I also have extensive experience supporting students and families in navigating school-related challenges, including educational accommodations such as 504 Plans and IEPs.
Treatment methods
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that we all have different parts of ourselves that serve important roles in our lives. As an IFS Level 1 trained therapist through the IFS Institute, I help clients develop a deeper understanding of these parts, reduce inner conflict, and access greater self-compassion, clarity, and healing.
Family Therapy
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I view people within the context of their relationships, families, and broader life experiences. Family Systems Therapy explores patterns of interaction and connection, helping clients better understand how these influences shape their emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I incorporate CBT strategies when appropriate to help clients challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop coping skills, and make meaningful changes in their daily lives.
Integrative
I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), family systems theory, Gottman Method principles, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and other evidence-based approaches. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor treatment to each person's unique needs, strengths, goals, and life circumstances.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions11 NW 33rd Ct, Gainesville, FL 32607