LCSW, 34 years of experience
New to Grow
Rana Ryan, DSW (Doctoral Student), is a Certified Clinical Licensed Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health. She is the founder of Consult with Rana Ryan in Buffalo, NY, and is licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine. With decades of experience, she brings both depth and compassion to her work, offering therapy and consultation services tailored to the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families. Rana holds certifications in trauma, grief, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), anger management, and mental health nutrition, equipping her with a broad range of evidence-based approaches to address complex clinical concerns. She specializes in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational challenges, with a strong focus on healing, resilience, and emotional wellness. Her approach is holistic, blending structured interventions like CBT and DBT with strategies that promote self-awareness, balance, and sustainable lifestyle changes. In addition to her clinical work, Rana has contributed to the field of education and community mental health. She taught at the University at Buffalo from 2017 through June 2025, where she inspired future professionals and shared her extensive practical expertise. She also provides consultation to nonprofits in New York City, helping strengthen organizational mental health initiatives and broadening access to quality care. A central focus of her practice is relationship healing. She is the author of How to Obtain, Sustain, and Maintain a Healthy Relationship and Mental Health, a guide that underscores her commitment to helping individuals and families foster stronger, healthier connections. Through her private practice and writing, Rana encourages clients to embrace growth and develop the skills necessary for lasting well-being. Her mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care that empowers people to thrive in their personal lives, relationships, and communities.
In your first session with me, you can expect a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where we’ll focus on getting to know you and your unique needs. I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what challenges you’ve been facing, and what goals you hope to achieve. Together, we’ll explore your background, current concerns, and any patterns that may be affecting your emotional well-being or relationships. I see the first session as a collaborative conversation rather than a formal assessment. My goal is to listen deeply, understand your perspective, and begin identifying the approaches that may be most helpful for you whether that’s CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, or relational work. You’ll also have the chance to ask me questions, share your expectations for therapy, and decide if we’re a good fit. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of direction, as well as the reassurance that you don’t have to face your challenges alone.
What sets my therapeutic approach apart is the way I combine evidence-based methods with a holistic, compassionate perspective. I integrate CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care, grief support, and mental health nutrition, giving clients practical tools while also addressing the mind-body connection. My focus is not only on symptom relief but on helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting emotional balance. Clients often share that they appreciate my direct yet supportive style, as I provide both structure and empathy to help them feel understood while moving toward real change. I specialize in relationship healing, and I draw on my book How to Obtain, Sustain, and Maintain a Healthy Relationship and Mental Health to guide individuals, couples, and families in building stronger, healthier connections. My goal is to help clients achieve meaningful, sustainable results healing past wounds, navigating current challenges, and cultivating a more fulfilling future.
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families who are seeking to heal from trauma, navigate relationship challenges, and build healthier emotional patterns. Many of my clients come to me struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or overwhelming stress, and they are ready to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for relief. I also work with those who may feel stuck in negative cycles of thought or behavior and want to learn healthier ways to cope, communicate, and connect with others. I particularly enjoy working with couples who want to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and rebuild trust, as well as families seeking to improve their dynamics and create more supportive, balanced connections. Whether clients are hoping to overcome past pain, manage current stressors, or prepare for future growth, my focus is on fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional wellness in a safe and supportive environment.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice. I find it highly effective for helping clients recognize and reframe negative intrusive thoughts, while also developing healthier responses and practical coping strategies.
I specialize in couples counseling with a focus on helping partners build stronger, healthier connections. My approach emphasizes practical tools for communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation to strengthen the relationship. In addition, I’ve authored a book titled How to Obtain, Sustain, and Maintain a Healthy Relationship and Your Mental Health, which provides guidance on cultivating emotional well-being and resilience both individually and as a couple.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which allows me to provide clients with evidence-based tools for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, strengthening interpersonal effectiveness, and practicing mindfulness. I often integrate DBT skills into my work with both individuals and couples, helping them regulate emotions, reduce conflict, and build healthier, more resilient relationships.
In my family therapy practice, I emphasize the importance of healthy communication, emotional regulation, and strong support systems. These same principles are at the heart of my book, How to Obtain, Sustain, and Maintain a Healthy Relationship and Mental Health, which serves as a guide not only for couples but also for families seeking to build lasting, supportive, and balanced relationships. I use these strategies in sessions to help families strengthen their bonds while also supporting each member’s individual mental health.
"I am certified in trauma therapy, which allows me to support clients in safely processing and healing from past traumatic experiences. I use evidence-based approaches to help individuals, couples, and families understand how trauma impacts their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can rebuild trust, develop resilience, and move toward healthier patterns of living and relating.