- Stress and anxiety
- LGBT identity support
- CBT and DBT techniques
About Ryan
Ryan Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas with 13 years of clinical experience. He works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addiction, parenting, and identity questions related to LGBT concerns.
He started his career focused on anger management and has since worked extensively with parents and family concerns. He supports people figuring out their identity and those needing help with relationship challenges. He also addresses trauma and abuse, eating and body image issues, and a wide range of attachment and adoption-related concerns.
Ryan uses several common therapy approaches and adapts them to the person's needs and goals. He often uses solution-focused work to clarify goals and move toward them efficiently. He also draws on cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns.
He integrates elements from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy when emotion regulation or relationship patterns are central to the concern. The Gottman Method informs his work with people focusing on communication and relationship skills.
Ryan says he is open to working with people from many backgrounds and can include faith-based perspectives if a client wants that. He offers sessions in English and accepts international clients. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Ryan commonly uses Client-Centered techniques to prioritize what the client wants to work on and to shape sessions around those goals. This approach focuses on listening and responding to each person’s priorities and can help with identity questions, stress, and relationship concerns.He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify patterns of thinking that get in the way of goals and to teach practical exercises for changing those patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, eating concerns, and work or school stress. When emotional regulation or interpersonal patterns are a main issue, he draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to teach coping strategies for intense feelings and relationship stress.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they choose tools and techniques to try and adjust them over time based on what the client finds useful.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats he offers, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when a quick session is helpful, and remove travel time so therapy fits around study or work commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Texas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and family concerns, trauma and abuse, and related areas listed in his profile.
What therapy style does he use?
He adapts his approach to each person, frequently using solution-focused work alongside cognitive-behavioral techniques and elements from DBT and EFT when helpful.
How much experience does he have?
He has 13 years of experience working as a counselor with a range of mental health issues and family concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Texas.
Can I work with him if I live outside the US?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.