- Stress and anxiety
- Identity and self worth
- Practical skill building
About Ryan
Ryan Sheehan is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and challenges related to sexual orientation and identity. He also supports those coping with low self-esteem, motivation struggles, and major life changes. Ryan emphasizes a straightforward, respectful approach that centers the person's own experience and strengths.
He believes people are the experts on their own stories and that small steps can lead to meaningful change. Sessions focus on practical skills, clearer thinking, and building on what already works. Ryan aims to make beginning therapy feel manageable and not overwhelming.
Over six years of practice have shaped his methods. He draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to tailor work to each person. That variety lets him mix mindfulness, thinking exercises, emotional processing, and supportive listening.
Typical sessions involve talking through recent challenges, trying short exercises, and setting small goals to test between meetings. He helps people apply ideas to everyday moments rather than focusing only on theory. Ryan keeps the tone direct and steady so progress feels tangible.
Ryan holds an LCSW credential and practices in Illinois. He encourages people who are nervous about starting therapy to take the first step and use their own strengths as a foundation for change.
Approaches that translate well to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions that align with what matters. Online sessions can include brief exercises to notice thoughts and reconnect with daily priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try different behaviors. In remote sessions this often means practicing thought records, behavioral experiments, and concrete homework between meetings.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels practical. Together they decide whether to emphasize mindfulness and values, cognitive skills, emotional processing, or a mix of methods that fits the person's needs.
Confirm the current session formats before booking since specific online options are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, do shorter check-ins, avoid travel time, or join sessions when leaving work for a break. It also allows exercises and homework to be reviewed together during a session so techniques can be applied directly to daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
Illinois, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Ryan commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, addictions, and LGBT-related concerns, among other issues like grief, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is straightforward and collaborative, combining active listening with practical exercises and small goal-setting to make progress feel achievable.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
He has six years of professional work experience helping people navigate life changes, motivation problems, and emotional challenges.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds an LCSW and practices in Illinois. He is also licensed in Virginia as indicated in his background.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's listed availability.