Ryan Smith, LPC

Ryan Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship or intimacy concerns. He works with clients on issues related to LGBT identity, addiction, parenting strain, grief, trauma, and self-esteem. He offers straightforward support and practical skills in a patient, open-minded way.

Ryan began his career focusing on anger management and later expanded into work with parents and families. He has 13 years of experience and uses approaches chosen to fit each person's needs. He aims to be respectful of faith or non-religious perspectives, and he supports people from many backgrounds.

In sessions he emphasizes finding clear goals and steady progress. He uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and to build new habits. He also draws on client-centered ideas to keep the work focused on each person's values and pace.

When relational patterns are central, he uses emotionally-focused and Gottman-informed tools to improve communication and closeness. For intense emotion regulation or crisis-prone patterns, he incorporates strategies from dialectical behavior therapy to teach coping skills.

Ryan approaches collaboration as a practical process: he listens, outlines options, and helps clients choose the steps that fit their lives. He accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.

How Ryan’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person and honoring their goals; online sessions use that same attitude so the therapist listens closely and follows the client's lead. This approach helps with identity questions, life transitions, and building motivation.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches practical steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Online CBT often includes short exercises between sessions and clear action plans to reduce anxiety, improve mood, or tackle disordered eating patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, offers concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal skills.

Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to identify what feels most useful, set priorities, and adjust methods as needed. That teamwork helps keep sessions focused and personally relevant.

Online formats add practical flexibility.

Discuss the practical arrangements before beginning therapy online. Confirm the current session options, fees, and appointment schedule, and raise any access needs or communication preferences. The aim is to understand the next steps and decide whether the proposed arrangements work for you.