About

2198245029Therapy helps you keep moving forward.

A small part of you still believes and hopes things can change, even though that hope shrinks by the day.

Therapy is the bridge that takes you from one place in life to another.

So, what will the ride be like for you?

Find your strengths.

While having moments when you still experience joy and fullness may be scarce, you need to take notice.

As a strength finder, I genuinely observe character traits, values, and resilience and name those findings out loud.

Some people think therapy is about reviewing problems we want to change. I believe therapy includes accessing our strengths when we need them most.

742768801Detecting the patterns is part of the process.

When your story takes center stage, I am both a pacer – slowing down the story to understand – and a pattern detector – searching for shifts in emotions and energy.

These shifts help shape our goals.

The pattern is the problem – NOT you or your partner. There is enough shame to go around – you won’t experience judgment from me.

Stay focused on your core vision.

As you cast a vision for your life or relationship with commitment, I keep us on track to reach it.

Rather than putting out weekly fires, I focus on the core issues or themes that show up in various situations.

It’s more hopeful to work on 1-3 core issues than for you to feel like you’re working on a new issue every week.

About Me

About RyanLife experiences led me to become a therapist.

As a journalism major at Michigan State University, I once interviewed a person for a story where most of the conversation was off the record. The person indicated that she felt renewed and less stressed, like working during a therapy session.

Meanwhile, I wrapped up my athletic career on the track. With all the injuries, turning to something to give my life meaning pulled me out of a funk. I began to recognize the importance of spirituality and relationships.

I obtained a Master of Divinity at Texas Christian University, which means I am open to your faith, but I don’t push it on anyone. My first career involved being a chaplain, and working with people at the end of life taught me what was most important about life.

Remembering the words of the interviewee in college and each experience as a chaplain, I made a change to become a Licensed Therapist. My ability to work with couples, athletes, and spirituality happened organically.

When not working with clients…

I watch football and update my fantasy football roster.

Otherwise, I spend time with my wife and our two children – 18 months apart. Having a family means I watch the same movies repeatedly and burn lots of calories. I love every minute of it.