Ryan Smith , LPC

Ryan Smith is a licensed professional counselor in Texas with 13 years of clinical experience supporting people across a wide range of mental health concerns. He combines a practical, solution-focused orientation with established therapeutic techniques to help clients move from feeling stuck to making measurable progress toward their goals. As an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - he has worked extensively with the LGBTQ population, guiding individuals through identity questions, relationship challenges, and the effects of societal oppression.

Ryan began his career addressing anger management and expanded his practice to include family work and parenting support, offering guidance to parents navigating blended families, adoption and foster care concerns, and communication difficulties. He also has experience helping people cope with anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addiction, grief, intimacy and eating-related issues, as well as mood conditions such as bipolar disorder.

In session he adapts his approach to each person, using client-centered methods alongside cognitive-behavioral strategies and elements from dialectical and emotionally-focused work as appropriate. He is open to incorporating faith-based perspectives when requested, while remaining welcoming to clients with secular or anti-religious viewpoints. Ryan aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space and to collaborate with clients on practical steps toward change, recognizing that seeking help is a meaningful first move on the path to healing.

Therapeutic Approaches Suited for Online Care

Ryan integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into his online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship so the client feels heard and supported while exploring identity, relationships, and personal values. CBT teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help when emotions feel overwhelming or relationships are strained.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ryan works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress is made so therapy remains responsive and relevant.

Online therapy with Ryan is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varying schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, maintain continuity of care while traveling or relocating, and integrate therapy into busy family and work lives while working with licensed professionals and therapists who focus on practical outcomes.