PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

RS Portrait of Ryan Smith
Online therapist

Ryan Smith

Supportive counselor for family and parenting concerns

Credentials
LPC
Experience
13 years
Licensed in
Texas
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Ryan

Ryan Smith is a licensed professional counselor who focuses on family and parenting concerns among a wide range of issues. He works with people who are stressed, anxious, grieving, or facing relationship and intimacy struggles. Ryan also has experience helping clients with addiction, mood concerns like depression and bipolar disorder, and identity-related challenges for LGBT individuals.

He practices in Texas and has 13 years of experience as an LPC. Ryan aims to make sessions practical and clear.

Background and approach

He listens first, then helps set achievable goals. He often uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and build useful habits. He also draws on emotionally focused and client-centered ideas when relationships or strong emotions are central.

Parents and family members will find a focus on realistic, everyday strategies. Ryan has worked extensively with families and supports parents through common parenting stresses and blended family issues. He also addresses adoption and foster care topics, attachment concerns, and caregiver stress.

He is open to discussing faith in therapy when it matters to a client, and he also respects clients who do not wish to include religion. Ryan emphasizes a collaborative approach and adapts methods to each person’s needs and goals. Practical matters are part of the process.

Sessions can take place by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, and international clients are accepted. He uses a subscription model for sessions that can be canceled at any time.

How Ryan’s Approaches Work Online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person first. The therapist offers warmth and reflection to help clients find their own solutions, which can be useful for family and parenting conversations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at unhelpful thoughts and habits. It teaches specific techniques to change thinking and behavior, which helps with anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people improve attachment and emotional responses in relationships. It is helpful when couples or family members want to change how they connect and respond to one another.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Ryan will help figure out which methods fit a client’s needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust the plan as progress is made. This is a collaborative process where priorities are set together.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy families. Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and to follow through on practice between meetings.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, and many family issues.
How does he approach therapy?
Sessions begin with listening and goal setting. He uses client-centered care alongside cognitive-behavioral techniques and emotionally-focused tools to tackle patterns and improve relationships.
What is his experience background?
He has 13 years of counseling experience and has worked extensively with families, parents, and LGBT clients throughout his career.
Where is he licensed and located?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, listed as TX LPC 67833, and practices from that region.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients as well.
What formats are available for working together?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Ryan

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point