Ryan Forbes , LCMHC

Ryan Forbes is a Utah-based clinician who prefers to be called Forbes but is also comfortable being addressed as Ryan. He is biracial, with a father from the Waikato region of New Zealand who is Maori and a mother of English descent born in the United States. Raised in Nevada in a mix of cities and rural communities while his parents worked for state government, Forbes brings personal experience of diverse environments to his therapeutic perspective.

He is licensed in Utah as an LCMHC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a credential that indicates training to provide clinical counseling and therapeutic support. Forbes has over 10 years of counseling experience and 29 professional work experience. He has worked with people facing stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, struggles with motivation, self-esteem and confidence concerns, and bipolar disorder.

Forbes approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert of their own story and carries strengths that can be mobilized to meet life’s challenges. He emphasizes the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and positions himself as a supportive, empowering guide as clients take those first steps toward change.

Approaches used in online therapy with Ryan Forbes

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and creating a respectful space where the client’s perspective leads the work. It helps people build self-awareness, improve self-esteem, and navigate relationship or life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and learning practical skills to change those patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Forbes works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and he may combine elements from different approaches as appropriate. Licensed professionals often tailor interventions to each individual rather than relying on a single technique.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for busy lives - sessions can take place by video calls or phone, and brief check-ins or ongoing work can happen through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access consistent support, fit therapy into a routine, and maintain continuity of care even when schedules or locations change.