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RS Portrait of Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith

Compassionate, goal-focused counseling

LPC Texas

Experience
13 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches
Gottman Method, Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Ryan

About Ryan

Ryan Smith is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, identity questions, and relationship concerns. He works with individuals facing depression, grief, addiction, and anger, and supports people struggling with self-esteem, body image, and career stress.

Background and approach

He also assists those dealing with trauma, attachment issues, and parenting challenges. He has 13 years of clinical experience and began his work supporting people with anger management needs.

Over time he broadened his practice to include relationship concerns, parenting stress, and care for people in the LGBT community. His background includes helping people cope with adoption and foster care questions, blended family adjustments, and caregiver strain.

Ryan adapts his approach to the person in front of him. He uses Client-Centered methods to listen and follow the client’s lead, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and shift thinking patterns that get in the way.

He often takes a solution-focused stance to define clear goals and make steady progress toward them. In sessions he blends practical skills and emotional work.

That can look like learning new communication moves, practicing emotion regulation skills, or identifying small changes that lead to better daily functioning. He also uses techniques from the Gottman Method and Emotionally-Focused Therapy when relationship patterns are part of the concern.

Ryan aims to offer a respectful, open-minded space where values and beliefs can be part of the conversation. He is able to include religion-based counseling when requested, and equally welcomes people who prefer a secular approach.

Approaches for online therapy and practical support

Ryan often uses the Gottman Method to look at how people communicate and manage conflict in relationships, focusing on concrete skills for improving interactions. He also relies on Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes listening, empathy, and following the client’s pace to make sessions feel collaborative and respectful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears when thoughts and behaviors are blocking progress, offering hands-on tools to test and change unhelpful thinking patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and daily challenges, then try methods that fit. Clients and therapist will adjust the plan as needed so therapy stays useful and relevant to what matters most.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video can support face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth or camera use is limited. Live chat and messaging let people check in between sessions or use shorter, more frequent contact. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy routines and changing schedules.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Ryan commonly address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship concerns, intimacy issues, parenting strain, and anger-related challenges.
What is his general approach in therapy?
He blends Client-Centered listening with practical techniques. He often uses solution-focused planning and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reach goals.
What professional background does he bring?
He has 13 years of experience and started by working with anger management needs before expanding into relationship and parenting concerns.
What credentials and location apply to his practice?
He is a licensed professional counselor - LPC - practicing in Texas.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and he does accept international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesParenting issues

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed in

Texas

Languages

English