Life is genuinely wonderful. Yet, there are times when it seems challenging, whether in relationships, at work or school, with physical health, or with finding motivation and purpose. Challenges often reveal new ways of growth.

However, getting through hard times can be difficult, especially if it feels like there is no real reprieve between one of life’s trials and the next. If you are facing such circumstances right now, you have probably tried seeking help from family and friends. Or perhaps you have not. Either way, for some reason you feel that they understand your joys better than they understand your difficulties and sorrows.

As a clinician, I strive to be an objective yet compassionate and understanding person who can listen to you, understand your perspective, shed some light on the issues you face, and help you identify potential ways to move forward. My goal is to work with you to identify and address your immediate concerns, while also helping you flourish overall in your self-understanding, your relationships, and your search for deeper meaning in life.

I rely primarily on interpersonal and psychodynamic approaches because I know that a strong therapeutic relationship cultivates safety, thus encouraging you to willingly examine thoughts, emotions, motivations, and behavioral patterns. I work to first demonstrate that change is possible. Once you recognize that your efforts can bring small improvements, you will feel motivated to engage in the harder work required to work toward the goals you desire. I can help you realize that it is not only possible to navigate difficult situations and difficult relationships, but rewarding and empowering when you do. I also collaborate with you to help you discover your potential for resilience, allowing you to feel more confident about your strengths and inner resources to cope with life’s difficulties. As part of an evidence-based approach to therapy, I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, as clinically indicated.

Background: Ryan is a Doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia. He completed his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the same university. Ryan has trained at community mental health centers and psychiatric facilities in the DMV area, providing individual, couple, and group therapy, as well as psychodiagnostic and personality assessment services. He has worked with a broad range of clients experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, life transitions, relational distress, serious mental illness, suicidality, oppositional behaviors, substance use, and existential/spiritual unease.

Ryan is an ordained priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto in Canada. Since 2020, he has ministered in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia while completing his doctoral studies. His experience includes work with people of all ages from diverse cultural backgrounds. He previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry, and has degrees in biology, philosophy, and theology.