I received my Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Master’s of Science in Marriage Family Child Therapy from California State University, Fresno. I am also a semester from graduating with my second Master’s of Science degree in Psychology. Throughout college, I was able to represent Fresno State University as a member of the collegiate rodeo team. This was extremely special to me, as the Central Valley has been my home since the day I was born. I grew up in a small town called Lemoore, California on my family’s 100-acre cattle ranch, which was home to my family, my cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandmother and grandfather. I have been with my college sweetheart for six years now and have been married for a little over a year. With this said, I can relate to the complexity of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, as well as the effect that they can have on our lives. My passion lies in supporting individuals because I believe that each individual has their own integral part of the human experience. Each individual is unique, bringing their own set of morals, beliefs, triggers, traumas, and more. In my role as a therapist, my objective is to assist every individual in crafting the best possible life path for themselves.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I use our first session together to simply get to know you. Our first session is a meet and greet where we both can get a feel for each other and you can decide if I am a good fit for you to take your therapeutic journey with.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have extensive experience working with individuals facing various challenges, including depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol dependency, domestic violence, disrupted family dynamic, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. It is my firm belief that regardless of the mental health struggles someone is facing, the mental health disorder should never define who that individual is.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I believe that there is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to treating clients. I Iike to tailor my therapeutic approach, so that it fits the family or individual that I am working with. As a therapist, I like to meet my clients where they are at, while also challenging them to continuously grow in their mental health journey. I often draw from Experiential, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills in my therapeutic approach. These frameworks guide me as I assist clients in developing their skills to regulate emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and enhance relationships with family and loved ones. I am passionate about helping individuals create peace and happiness within their lives. After all, we are all in this journey of life together.

About Ryan Smith

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