I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received my education at Alder University in Chicago. I have been practicing since 2014 and specialize in working with individuals with ASD, anxiety and depression. I am a strong believer of the ideas of Adlerian Therapy and Positive Psychology. I feel that individuals have the ability to heal if given the right tool and guidance to do so.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we will explore the reasons that have brought you into therapy. As someone who has been on both sides of the desk, I understand how difficult that initial session can be. Taking the step to come in and seek assistance in dealing with your stressors can feel overwhelming and almost impossible at times. We will talk about the reasons for seeking therapy and what your hopes are for the process. I will share any information that you might want to know about my background and we will make plans to address your treatment plan in our second session.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have an eclectic background that includes working in the Arts, documentary film making, being the daughter of a therapist, suffering from depression and anxiety as a child, being the mother of two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (each at opposing sides of the Spetrum), and being diagnosed with ASD late in life myself. I am an open-minded individual who works with people from all spiritual, emotional, gender, ethnic, and psychological backgrounds. I am really good at reading people and figuring out what they need.
About Kat Ryan
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Adlerian
I received my MA at Adler University and fully believe that each individual has the ability to achieve success in all matters of their live, if they can overcome their feelings of inferiority. This is best done by examining choices we make, acknowledging our in our own life and addressing/correcting our maladaptive behaviors.
Narrative
Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a writer, storyteller and documentarian. These pursuits were linked to the ideas of how the stories we tell ourselves shape and impact our lives. Because of these experiences, I find Narrative Therapy to be an incredibly powerful modality. Understanding that we have control over how we interpret our experiences, the stories we tell ourselves about those experiences, and the impact they have on us can be a powerful and life-changing experience.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Learning to find ways to accept what is, change what we can, and let go of what we cannot, is not an easy feat. I have found that ACT is a great tool for guiding clients to a present state, practicing mindfulness, and learning to behave in a ways that make them feel like their authentic selves.
Positive Psychology
I am a huge proponent of positive psychology if for no other reason than to help my clients find a life of meaning and purpose. This modality has been a great tool in helping clients find their strengths, focus on optimistic emotions, and assisting them in examining their mental and emotional roadblocks.
Couples Counseling
My MA is in Marriage and Family Therapy. I pursued this degree because of childhood experiences and coming to believe that if we struggle with our micro-level, core relationships, then we will have a hard time functioning on a macro-level in society.
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