LCSW, 3 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
I aim to meet every client where they are at, regardless of their circumstances. I work with people who struggle with substance use, depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, or any other topics that may be presenting issues in their life. My approach is to help you understand and identify what things may be causing you difficulties in your life, while simultaneously eliciting the motivation that already lies within you to make the necessary changes in your life. I have experience working in grief & loss counseling, and as a CADC, my primary area of expertise is in the field of substance use. I work with people who struggle with substance use from a harm reduction framework, and I believe that it is my job to help clients achieve whatever goals they have for themselves, whether that be total abstinence, moderation, or deciding to use some substances while abstaining from using others. The primary therapeutic modality that I utilize in my practice is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), although I also incorporate skills, practices, and theories from Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Narrative Therapy. I tailor my approach to each individual client, as I firmly believe that each individual that I work with has their own unique set of strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
In our first session together, I hope to get to know you better and give you a sense of what working with me might look like moving forward. I aim to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for my clients, and this first session will give you a sense of what that feels like.
As a clinician, I feel that I excel in providing people with a space where they feel welcome, but also a space where they feel they are benefitting from the work we do together. I pride myself on creating an inviting space for people to share, feel heard, and feel safe.
I work primarily with young adults, but I love working with anybody who is willing to make changes in their lives or understand themselves better. While my primary area of expertise is with folks who struggle with substance use, I also have plenty of experience outside of this area.
The primary modality I utilize in my practice is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have always appreciated how ACT gently encourages us to accept and welcome in discomfort in the short-term, so that we can decrease suffering in the long-term. I also think it is critical to make decisions, set goals, and live our lives according to our chosen set of values, which ACT places a big emphasis on. Overall, I think concepts, skills, and theories from ACT can be applied to help us all live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Motivational Interviewing can be used to address ambivalence in people contemplating changing any maladaptive habit, but I have found it especially helpful in addressing issues revolving around substance use. Using this approach, I aim to help people move from precontemplative or contemplative stages of change to the action (and eventually maintenance) stage of change with whatever habit or behavior they are considering modifying.
I am a big fan of Narrative Therapy's emphasis on the importance of the language we use, and how it can impact our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Using this approach, I aim to help folks understand the narratives they have formed about themselves and the world around them, and rework them to narratives that may serve them better.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 23, 2025
Another substantive, helpful, and insightful session with Ryan. Highly recommend his services.
April 21, 2025
Ryan is the real deal. Down to earth, practical and creates a safe exciting environment to foster emotional and personal growth. As a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology, Ryan is the most well rounded practitioner I have had the pleasure of learing under as a participant of his therapeutic process. Thanks Ryan. You really are one of the best. -C
April 9, 2025
I'm never afraid to share anything I'm feeling or thinking with Ryan. He's very warm and open-minded, and provides realistic solutions that have helped me so much.